Follow-up Study of Special Education Graduates: Class of 1983.

The Montgomery County Public Schools, (MCPS), Maryland, annually surveys its graduating classes to help determine whether MCPS adequately prepares its graduates. This is the first follow-up study of MCPS's 10 special education schools' graduates (class of 1983). It investigates: (1) postsecondary education and employment activities; (2) students' and/or parents' perceptions of program quality; (3) the effectiveness of these programs; and (4) current living arrangements for graduates. Telephone surveys were conducted with 92 (of 179) MCPS graduates, 48 parents, and 36 employers. Findings show that most graduates are either working in relatively low-skilled job categories or attending training institutions. However both parents and graduates at some schools felt MCPS could improve its job training programs. Employers are satisfied with the work of the graduates and rate their job performance very highly. The Appendix contains descriptions of the MCPS special education programs for mental retardation (Concord, Longview, and Stephen Knolls schools), multiple handicaps (Rock Terrance High School), emotional impairment (the Regional Institute for Children and Adolescents in Rockville, Bridge School, and Mark Twain School), hearing impaired (Rockville High School) orthopedically and other health impaired (Kennedy High School), and specific learning disability (Walter Johnson, Gaithersburg, and Kennedy High Schools). (BS)