The Influence of Gender on Non-Academic Skills Associated With Post-School Employment and Further Education

• Published in: Career development and transition for exceptional individuals Vol. 40; no. 3; pp. 165 - 174
• Main Authors: McConnell, Amber E., Martin, James E., Herron, Jason P., Hennessey, Maeghan N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Los Angeles, CA SAGE Publications 01-08-2017; SAGE Publications and Hammill Institute on Disabilities
• Subjects: Disabilities; Employment; Family (Sociological Unit); Gender Differences; High School Students; Likert Scales; Multivariate Analysis; Positive Behavior Supports; Postsecondary Education; Scores; Skills; Special Education Teachers; Statistical Analysis; Student Behavior; post-school outcomes; assessment development; gender issues; career and vocational development
• ISSN: 2165-1434; 2165-1442
• DOI: 10.1177/2165143416629629

Gender differences have been found in post-school outcomes of students with disabilities, yet these differences are rarely examined. To determine whether male and female high school students with disabilities scored differently in non-academic behaviors known to affect post-school education and employment measured by the Transition Assessment and Goal Generator, we analyzed scores provided by 1,537 high school students with disabilities, 836 family members, and 139 professionals from 30 states. Findings revealed no difference in full-scale scores on Professional or Student versions based on gender of the student. Family members’ overall scores for females were significantly higher, yet the difference was slight. Some differences were found at the construct level on all three versions. Construct differences and implications are discussed.