An Analysis of State Data Collection Protocols for Measuring Postschool Outcomes for Students With Disabilities

Abstract

Indicator 14 is a federal accountability initiative that attempts to generate data on the outcomes of students with disabilities 1 year after leaving high school. Currently, there are only two areas, postsecondary education/training and employment, mandated for examination. Ultimately, the data are used to develop specific goals for 6-year State Performance Plans. This study reports the variability of the data collection instruments in areas of inquiry and number of items in the instruments of all 50 states. Commentary is made regarding the positive and negative aspects as well as missed opportunities in the data collection process for Indicator 14.