Operationalizing Predictors of Postschool Success in Secondary Transition: A Delphi Study

Abstract

To improve postschool outcomes for students with disabilities, research in secondary transition has increasingly aimed to identify in-school experiences that contribute to positive outcomes after high school. Although research on postschool success for this population has recently identified seven new predictors, operational definitions and essential program characteristics remain missing. Therefore, the purpose of this Delphi study was to operationally define the seven newest predictors of postschool success in secondary transition and identify their essential program characteristics. Experts in the field of secondary transition reached consensus on an operational definition and a set of essential program characteristics for each of the seven newest predictors of postschool success. These definitions and essential program characteristics provide additional information needed to develop, implement, and evaluate effective secondary transition programs. Moreover, these results continue to move research to practice in meaningful and actionable ways. Suggestions for further research and implications are discussed.