The Secondary Special Education and Transition (SSET) research workgroup was created in 1987 in response to a national need to improve the post high school outcomes of youth with disabilities. Guided by founding director Dr. Andrew Halpern, the unit soon broadened the scope and focus of research to all aspects of transition from high school to adult roles, including meaningful employment, completion of postsecondary education, social and interpersonal relationships, and living independently in the community. Indeed one of Andy's greatest contributions to the field was his analysis, and subsequent conceptual framework of transition that considers the whole person and the multiple contexts within which people live and work.
During the past two decades, faculty and researchers affiliated with SSET have developed numerous innovative research strands including: collaborative transition practices and programs, building transition services for parole and probation youth, teaching and learning self-determination knowledge and skills, career development, alternative education, gender and employment issues, and improving access to Vocational Rehabilitation. The secondary certification and master's program at UO is the longest continuously running training program focused on secondary transition issues in the country. Our doctoral program in special education, secondary/transition prepares individuals for research and teaching positions in higher education, research positions with private foundations, administrative positions in school districts and other state educational agencies, and consultation positions in professional education.