A Content Analysis of State Data Collection: Protocols for Measuring Post-School Outcomes for Students With Learning Disabilities

Indicator 14: Post-School Outcomes are assessed each year by every school district in every state to evaluate outcomes for all students with disabilities, including learning disabilities, beyond secondary school. Data collection is mandated to focus on post-secondary education and employment status just after leaving school-age programs. Some states focus on the mandated areas of the directive, while others query additional areas of post-school adjustment. Data trends are used to update and improve State Performance Plans (SPPs) and are submitted to the U.S. Department of Education. There is wide variability in what areas of adjustment are measured and how they are measured. A content analysis is presented of state data collection protocols within the conceptual frameworks of life skills functioning. Recommendations pertaining to a larger sub-set of the data, students with learning disabilities, to improve data usage are included.