Secondary Programs in Special Education: Are Many of Them Justifiable?

Abstract

This article discusses the apparent link between secondary special education programs for mildly handicapped students and the eventual post-high-school adjustment of these students. The current national emphasis on transition to the community, and especially to work, has resulted in the close scrutiny of the outcomes of special education. Large numbers of mildly handicapped students are dropping out of school programs and both graduates and dropouts earn very low salaries. The author suggests a radical change in secondary programs for mildly handicapped students, away from academics and toward functional, vocational programs.