GAO-03-773 Special Education: Federal Actions Can Assist States in Improving Postsecondary Outcomes for Youth

July 2003 Federal Actions Can Assist States in Improving Postsecondary Outcomes for Youth Of all IDEA youth who left high school during the 2000-01 school year, 57 percent received a standard diploma and an additional 11 percent received an alternative credential. High school completion patterns of IDEA youth have remained stable over recent years despite concerns that states increasing use of exit examinations would result in higher dropout rates. Students with some types of disabilities were much less likely, however, to complete high school with a standard diploma, receiving an alternative credential or dropping out instead. IDEA youth without . . .