Special Educator Knowledge and Perspectives About Inclusive Postsecondary Education Programs

Special education teachers play an integral role in preparing students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) for a successful transition to their desired postsecondary pathways. As more opportunities arise for students with IDD to attend inclusive postsecondary education (IPSE) programs, there is a growing need for special educators to be well-prepared to equip their students for college. We conducted a survey of 1,086 secondary special education teachers in three states to better understand their knowledge, expectations, and perspectives regarding postsecondary options for students with IDD. We also examined the educator- and school-level factors associated with students with IDD having postsecondary goals for college in their Individualized Education Program (IEP). We describe special educator preferences for learning about college options for their students with IDD and practical implications for special educators, teacher preparation programs, and IPSE programs.