Incorporating Career and Technical Education in Transition Planning for Students with Emotional Disturbance

Abstract

Young adults with mental health difficulties are capable of successfully engaging in school, training, and employment. The support these individuals receive as they progress through secondary education can help them realize their potential in life after high school. Many times teachers see different results for these students such as high school drop-out, lower rates of post-secondary education and employment, and even higher rates of involvement with law enforcement, poverty, and homelessness upon their exit from high school (Wagner, Newman, Cameto, & Levine); however, with the right information, resources, and determination teachers can make a lasting impact on these students. To help students with Emotional Disturbance (ED) experience post-secondary success, teachers need resources to assist them with planning and preparing for student transition from high school into education and training programs and employment in young adulthood. This guide will offer practical ways to plan for these students’ successful transition from high school to post-secondary life, which can lead to positive outcomes for students with ED. To learn more about the Translating Evidence to Support Transitions project, visit our website.