Congratulations to Dr. Mandy Harrison for presenting her research (Postsecondary Inclusion: Effect on Efficacy and Transfer Perceptions) at the inaugural "RECAPP: Research & Creative Activity at Appalachian". We appreciate her representing our department. The event will be held this Friday, October 25, 2019, on the fourth floor of Belk Library & Information Commons from 4:30 to 6:30 pm.
Marion Harrison, Associate Professor, RMPE Postsecondary Inclusion: Effect on Efficacy and Transfer Perceptions Currently, there are many thousands of college-aged young adults in the United States with intellectual disabilities (ID). Many of these young adults are without the services that were available prior to leaving high school. One way to support these young adults is by providing a comprehensive postsecondary education (PSE) including: (1) inclusion in university courses, (2) career counseling and vocational skills training including internships (3) development of independent living and self-determination skills and, (4) opportunities to develop social skills and meaningful relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of participation in a PSE on perceived self-efficacy regarding independent living and academic performance, and perceptions of ability to transition to independent adult life. Additionally, this study examined the influence of parent expectations on student self-efficacy regarding transitioning to adult life. The 12 participants in this study were college students with mild to moderate intellectual disabilities enrolled in a postsecondary education program. The students participated in inclusive university settings. The students ranged in age from 18-25. Eight of the students were male, four were female. Self-efficacy and transition measures were taken at the beginning and end of Fall semesters for each student. Parents filled out a transition measure at program orientation. Analysis indicated a significant difference between pre and post self-efficacy scores. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between change in self-efficacy perceptions and change in transition scores. Finally, a significant positive correlation was found between change in self-efficacy perceptions and parent transition scores."