Murray State Theses and Dissertations

Abstract

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore the impact of early transition planning on parents’ postsecondary expectations for their child with an intellectual disability and to examine the benefits of planning, particularly when considering higher education opportunities. This study also probed the factors that contribute to the development of self-efficacy in special education teachers facilitating comprehensive transition planning. Schlossberg’s transition theory, with its four S’s—situation, support, self, and strategies—served as the theoretical framework. The data collection methods were document analysis, focus groups with special education teachers, high school teachers, and parents, and researcher observations. Seven themes emerged to answer three research questions: desire for person-centered planning, agency collaboration, nonemployment options, time to explore, aligning expectations, knowledge expansion, and more options. Across the triangulated data, the factors influencing self-efficacy among teachers who facilitate transition planning included aligning expectations with parents, expanding knowledge of agencies’ services and supports, and increasing the availability of options for their students in the local community. This study builds on Florida’s legislative intent to expand postsecondary opportunities for students with disabilities and establishes postsecondary transition planning as a requirement for these students as early as age 12.

Year manuscript completed

2026

Year degree awarded

2026

Author's Keywords

postsecondary transition planning, intellectual disability, Inclusive Postsecondary Education (IPSE) Program, self-efficacy, special education

Degree Awarded

Doctor of Education

Department

Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling

College/School

College of Education & Human Services

Dissertation Committee Chair

Ben Littlepage

Committee Member

Randal Wilson

Committee Member

Laventrice Ridgeway

Document Type

Dissertation

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