Dawn Rowe, associate professor of special education and interim chair of educational foundations and special education, is taking part in a research project focused on helping transition individuals with disabilities into post-high school environment.
The National Technical Assistance Center on Transition for Students and Youth with Disabilities is an initiative funded by the Office of Special Education Rehabilitation Services and led by University of North Carolina-Charlotte.
ETSU and other universities fill out this initiative.
“The charge is really to help state departments of Education and State Departments of Vocational Rehabilitation in supporting their local teachers and educators and the counselors in supporting youth in transition,” said Rowe. “So, developing the skills needed for employment and post-secondary education and training, and independent living to be applicable.”
While they provide some technical support, the focus of the research is understanding the evidence-base behind current practices.
This includes reviewing the literature around secondary transition and vocational rehabilitation, determining what research supports current practices and relaying that research practitioners.
“I think the support will continue to emphasize the need for implementation of evidence-based practices in this area,” said Rowe, “And, then the need to better support schools in implementing these practices and bridging that research to practice gap and building those the infrastructure needed to support schools.”
Rowe believes this research will lead to better programming and outcomes for youth with disabilities.
Also, the research should put emphasis on the need for collaboration within and across agencies.
“And so, making sure that all the key players are at the table, including career technical education, vocational rehabilitation and special education in general education, making sure all those key players are there at the table when we’re planning for secondary transition,” said Rowe.
Their biggest takeaway is to focus on increased expectations and successes of youth with disabilities.
