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Author: McAllister, Carolyn Anne
Resulting in 1 citation.
1. McAllister, Carolyn Anne
Variables Affecting the Post High School Outcomes of Students with Learning Disabilities
Ph.D. Dissertation, School of Social Work, Michigan State University, 2008.
Also: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/47012549/Variables-affecting-the-post-high-school-outcomes-of-students-with-learning-disabilities
Cohort(s): NLSY97
Publisher: ProQuest Dissertations & Theses (PQDT)
Keyword(s): Cognitive Ability; Disability; Educational Returns; Employment; Learning, Asymmetric

Permission to reprint the abstract has not been received from the publisher.

The focus of this study is to examine the educational and employment related outcomes of individuals with learning disabilities as they leave high school and make choices about postsecondary education and employment. First, the paper presents an overview of the issues and ways that social workers can support adolescents with learning disabilities as they decide on educational and career goals, and transition from public school systems. The paper provides a theoretical background on the definition of learning disabilities and some of the recent changes in this disability category. Next, the paper reviews research on the individual, familial, and social impacts of a learning disabilities diagnosis. The paper then provides an overview of researched interventions for adolescents with learning disabilities.

This study also examined demographic, economic, educational, and other relevant variables through the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 cohort. One way ANOVAs were completed to determine the ways in which the sample of individuals with learning disabilities were similar or different from persons with other impairments and persons with no identified impairment. Findings showed that the educational and income outcomes seen in previous research after one to three years after leaving high school continue as students are three to seven years out of high school.

Lent, Hackett, and Brown's (1994, 1996, 1999) Social Cognitive Career Theory (SCCT) was then utilized to identify potential factors influencing students with learning disabilities educational performance. Using the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, 1997 Cohort (NLSY97), hierarchical regression analyses were completed for individuals with a diagnosed learning disability, for individuals with other identified learning or medical impairments, and for individuals with no identified impairments. Support for the SCCT model was found in all three groups of participants, although the individu al variables influencing each group vary.

Lastly, implications for this research in the areas of social work practice, research and policy are discussed. Areas for future research are discussed, and the strengths and limitations of this study are reviewed. The importance of including assessment and interventions for adolescents and young adults with learning disabilities in all areas of social work practice is emphasized.

Bibliography Citation
McAllister, Carolyn Anne. Variables Affecting the Post High School Outcomes of Students with Learning Disabilities. Ph.D. Dissertation, School of Social Work, Michigan State University, 2008..