Ohio Longitudinal Transition Study

Educational Service Center of Cuyahoga County

The Ohio Longitudinal Transition Study (OLTS) is a system of tracking students with disabilities to report their status one year after high school graduation. Data collected includes demographic information, types of services received in school, post-school goals and outcomes, and student satisfaction with the overall transition process.

All public school districts in Ohio, who graduate students with disabilities, are included in the study. All public districts in Cuyahoga County, including community schools who graduate students with disabilities, have participated in Ohio Longitudinal Transition Study at least one time since 2005.

From the state data collected over several years, the Ohio Longitudinal Transition Study has identified predictors of postsecondary success. This data was compiled from information obtained through interviews of students with disabilities prior to their graduation (Exit Survey) and one year later (Follow-up Survey). These predictors include

Students who passed the Ohio Graduation Tests had a significantly better chance of being successful in college, whether a 2 or 4 year college/university;
Students who participated in a paid community work experience, including summer jobs, during high school had a significantly better chance of being successfully employed one year after graduation, both full and part-time; and,
Students who participated and completed career technical education training had a significantly better chance of being successfully employed one year after graduation, full or part-time.

To learn more about the OLTS and review the most current data, go to www.olts.org.