The Summary of Performance: The Reality and the Possibility

Authors

  • Joseph W. Madaus
  • Stan F. Shaw
  • Wayne K. Miller
  • Manju Banerjee
  • Stanley Vitello

Abstract

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA 2004) requires that each local education agency provide a transition summary document, commonly called a Summary of Performance (SOP), to all special education students who are graduating with a regular diploma or reaching the maximum age for services. However, other than specifying that the form contain a summary of the student’s academic and functional performance and recommendations to help the student meet postsecondary goals, the IDEA regulations offer little guidance regarding the content of the SOP or how it should be implemented. This article provides an overview of the SOP and presents the results of a national study of SOP forms promulgated by 43 state education agencies (SEAs). Significant variation was found across the states, with 88% percent meeting the minimal requirements of the IDEA. The utility of a comprehensive SOP in assisting secondary students with learning disabilities to access supports and accommodations in employment and postsecondary education is discussed.

Issue

Section

Articles