Exit Status - PA Secondary Transition

What Is Exit Status?

“Exit Status” answers the question, “How and when did a student leave high school?”

Essentially, Exit Status defines the conditions and experiences under which a student completed their high school education, as monitored by their IEP team, Transition Coordinator, School Counselor, and other professionals active in their transition journey.

If a student completes their high school education to the full term, it is regarded as a “successful exit status.” Research (Rowe et al., 2014; Mazotti et al., 2020) suggests that a student’s success in postsecondary education and employment is highly dependent on their exit status as a predictor.

What is the Core Component of Exit Status?

Delve into what makes Exit Status work for postsecondary student success.

Students with disabilities obtaining a high school diploma through the completion of the requirements defined by the state, which may include curriculum credits and state assessments.

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How Does Exit Status Impact Outcomes Related to IEP Transition Goals?

Employment

Students who exit high school with a regular diploma are significantly more likely to be employed in competitive, integrated settings.
In contrast, a student who drops out or exits with a certificate may face limited employment options and lower wages.

Secondary Education

A student with a diploma can apply to 2- or 4-year colleges, technical schools, or training programs
Students who exit with a regular diploma are more likely to engage in higher education within two years of leaving school.

Independent Living

An exit status involving graduation with a diploma correlates with improved outcomes across all domains of postsecondary adult life, including independent living.
Students who earn a diploma may have met more rigorous academic and functional expectations, which can lead to better self-management, financial literacy, and community participation skills.

Citations:

Rowe et al. (2014)
Mazzotti et al. (2020)

Who are the Key Partners in Determining A Student’s Exit Status ?

Collectively, students, counselors, families, educators, and other transition planning professionals play their unique parts in shaping a student’s exit status.

Partner

Role in Determining Exit Status

IEP Team

Develops a transition plan and determines readiness to exit

Student and Family

Set goals, make informed decisions, and support the transition process

Transition Coordinator

Monitors progress, ensures transition planning supports graduation

School Counselor

Tracks credits and course planning aligned with diploma requirements

Administrator

Oversees policy and graduation pathways

Outside Agencies

Coordinate post-school services and support student readiness

Exit Status Drives Adult Success

Exit status, whether through diploma, certificate, or dropout, has a lasting impact on students' future opportunities. Supporting students to graduate with a regular diploma increases their chances of success in employment, education, and independent living.