A DisCrit Perspective on College and Career Readiness for Youth With Emotional and Behavioral Disorders

Despite the increased focus on college and career readiness programs in schools, students with disabilities remain inadequately prepared for postsecondary education (e.g., trade schools, college, and university) or jobs/careers. Disparate outcomes along race and disability classifications in academic and postsecondary outcomes are indicated in national data. With better grounding in a Disability Studies and Critical Race Theory (DisCrit) perspective and vocational development, educators and school-based mental health professionals can more effectively aim to improve college and career outcomes for children of color with a label of emotional and behavioral disorder (EBD). To that end, this manuscript provides an overview of the critical issues faced by children of color with EBD, particularly as they concern college and career readiness outcomes, and offers recommendations for research and practice.