Participation of students with disabilities in college ready programs

Benefits of graduating with a college degree include higher earnings, lower unemployment rates, improved health, and increased job satisfaction. A number of college-ready programs are offered to help prepare students for postsecondary education and careers (e.g., advanced placement, International Baccalaureate, dual enrollment, Tech Prep); however, little is known about the inclusion of students with disabilities in these programs. This study evaluated 15 college-ready programs to determine if they served students with disabilities, what program evaluation data indicated for students in these programs, and if program evaluation data were disaggregated for students with disabilities, what were the outcomes. Results indicated 12 of the programs resulted in successful preparation for postsecondary education; however, of the 15 programs reviewed, only two disaggregated data for students with disabilities. Implications for practice and directions for future research are discussed.