Summary of Performance Portfolio: Supporting Post-Secondary Transition for Students with Learning Disabilities

Abstract

Students with disabilities, including those with learning disabilities (LD) experience difficulties transitioning to post-school environments. A Summary of Performance (SOP) document, provided to students with disabilities during their final year of high school, may serve as a platform for requesting access to services from post-secondary service providers and consequently improve students’ success in adult life. However, a SOP portfolio may help special educators effectively bridge services offered in high school and post-secondary settings and ensure smooth transition experiences for students with LD. This article outlines how special educators can use the SOP portfolio as part of comprehensive transition planning to help engage students with LD in the SOP portfolio development process. A brief summary of the literature surrounding the SOP and its use in transition planning is provided. In addition, a scenario is provided to illustrate guidance for SOP portfolio development and implementation. Finally, conclusions are summarized.