Dissertation
Perceptions of cyber students with high incidence disabilities on the impact of self-determination on post-secondary transition: a descriptive case study
Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Drexel University
Sep 2020
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17918/00000130
Abstract
Promoting self-determination and active involvement in the transition process is vital to the implementation of post-secondary goals for students with high incidence disabilities, especially those in the cyber environment. Much research has been devoted to the impact self-determination skills have on transition goals; however, there is limited research in the virtual, cyber setting. This descriptive case study examined the perceptions of special education, high-incidence disability 11th and 12th grade students in a Pennsylvania cyber charter school on the impact of self-determination skills and post-secondary goals. Research questions investigated (1) students' perceived levels of self-determination; (2) individual post-secondary transition goals in the three areas of education, employment, and independent living; and (3) factors that affect self-determination in the cyber environment. Surveys, interviews, and archival data were used to gather extensive data from 70 students. The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between self-determination and transition in the cyber environment in order to increase positive post-secondary goals and outcomes across the state of Pennsylvania. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the survey data; a small sample prohibited further statistical analysis. The qualitative interview data was analyzed using content analysis in order to complement the survey data. An examination of archival data garnered further insight into the responses of the participants and a broader view of student perspectives. Results suggest students have a strong sense of autonomy, acting on their beliefs, but lack skills in competence and relatedness to achieve their goals. The synthesis of data led to actionable insights and recommendations for both administrators and teachers for future practice to promote self-determination skills as a means to provide special education students in the cyber environment a greater voice in determining their futures through clear, realistic post-secondary goals.
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Details
- Title
- Perceptions of cyber students with high incidence disabilities on the impact of self-determination on post-secondary transition
- Creators
- Michelle Ann Efthimiadou
- Contributors
- Amanda Lannie (Advisor)
- Awarding Institution
- Drexel University
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Education (Ed.D.)
- Publisher
- Drexel University; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
- Number of pages
- x, 152 pages
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- School of Education (1997-2026); Drexel University
- Other Identifier
- 991014695547804721