Class Placement and Academic and Behavioral Variables as Predictors of Graduation for Students with Disabilities.

Abstract

This study investigated the impact of a range of variables as predictors of graduation potential for students with Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) or Emotional Behavioral Disorders (EBD) within a large urban school district. These factors included the following characteristics and elements: (a) primary exceptionality, (b) gender, (c) race/ethnicity, (d) grade, (e) current enrollment, (f) academic history, (g) behavioral history, (h) Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) performance, and (i) educational setting. Results indicated that a successful academic history was the only significant predictor of graduation potential when statistically controlling for all other variables. While at marginal significance, results also yielded that students with SLD or EBD in inclusive settings experienced better academic results and behavioral outcomes than those in self-contained settings.