David R. Johnson and Martha Thurlow Among Authors of New NLTS 2012 Report

Director David R. Johnson and Martha Thurlow of the Institute on Community Integration are among the authors of the newly-released report of findings from the National Longitudinal Transition Study 2012 (NLTS 2012). The NLTS 2012, which is part of the congressionally-mandated National Assessment of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, is based at Mathematica Policy Research, and the research team for the study consisted of key staff from Mathematica and from the Institute on Community Integration. The report, published by the U.S. Department of Education, Institute of Education Sciences, provides a national picture of secondary school students in special education and how they compare with their peers. Based on surveys of nearly 13,000 parents and 11,000 youth in the U.S., it sheds light on challenges the youth can face in socioeconomic status, health, communication, and social functioning at school, as well as areas such as academic supports and preparation for life after high school. “The study provides the most recent understanding regarding the educational experiences and future aspirations of youth with disabilities for postsecondary education and employment,” notes Johnson. “Of special interest is the first-time available comparison of students with and without disabilities.” The reports were featured in an Education Week blog  and on the AUCD website.