The effects RENEW has on awareness of post-secondary options and post-high school planning for students with disabilities in an alternative setting

ABSTRACT

This qualitative study analyzes the effects that RENEW, a person-centered goal planning model, has on students with disabilities that are in an alternative school setting. Students in sixth through twelfth grade participated in this study to determine if RENEW can affect students' awareness of post-secondary options and assist with post-high school planning. In analyzing students' progress, the researcher utilized results of the AIR Self-Determination Scale, DIBELS assessments, and school-wide behavior data during students' participation in the RENEW initiative. In addition, the researcher used results of a Likert scale survey given to school personnel in order to examine how RENEW was implemented at the school. RENEW assisted students with completing post-high school plans by illuminating goals, correlating achievable steps towards those goals, and developing support systems to aid in reaching these goals. Although this research was implemented during the COVID-19 Pandemic, the alternative school implemented the RENEW intervention with fidelity and produced positive changes within the youth that participated in the initiative. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved)