Demographic Differences in Perceptions of School Experiences

Youth with disabilities with various demographic characteristics do not differ significantly in their perceptions of school. No gender or racial/ethnic differences are apparent, nor do reported perceptions differ for youth from households with low, moderate, or higher incomes. However, one perception does differ across age cohorts. Specifically, the oldest cohort of youth, 19-year-olds, who were still in secondary school in the preceding year are significantly less likely than 15- and 16-year-olds to report participating in organized school activities outside of class (20 percent vs. 49 percent, p < .001).