Transition Trends Associated with Topic Focus Since 1990: A Literature Review

A systematic review of transition literature was conducted on 743 articles published in 22 special education journals from 1990 to 2015. Demographic data and topics of transition-related articles were coded to identify the trends in transition literature. Results found only 4.1% of articles in those journals focused on transition. Student participants were primarily White males with a specific learning disability or intellectual disability. Key topics of transition (e.g., self-determination, transition planning) were supported by several studies in the literature. Yet, crucial topics (e.g., transportation skills, interagency collaboration) contained little research support. A summary of the current trends in transition research and implications for future research are discussed.