Self-determination
Last updated
Self-determination is a person's ability and opportunity to make choices, set goals and take action toward the life they want.
Topic: Transition and adult life
In plain terms
Self-determination includes choice making, problem solving, goal setting, self-monitoring, self-advocacy and self-knowledge. Students with strong self-determination skills tend to have better adult outcomes. It grows with practice, which means students need real chances to make decisions, including about their own IEP.
How it shows up in an IEP
Self-determination can be taught directly and written as goals: setting and tracking a personal goal, explaining one's strengths and needs, or choosing accommodations. Involving the student in the IEP meeting is a natural place to practice.
Example
A ninth grader sets a goal of turning in all science labs, tracks it on a weekly chart, and reports progress at the IEP meeting, deciding with the team what support to keep.
Related terms
- Self-advocacySelf-advocacy is the ability to understand one's own needs and rights, speak up for them, and ask for supports when needed.
- Student-led IEPA student-led IEP is an IEP meeting where the student leads part or all of the discussion about their strengths, needs, goals and supports.
- Supported decision-makingSupported decision-making lets an adult with a disability make their own choices with help from trusted people they choose.
- Transition servicesTransition services are coordinated activities in the IEP that help a student move from school to adult life: further education, work and independent living.
- Self-regulationSelf-regulation is the ability to manage one's energy, emotions, attention and behavior to fit the situation and reach goals.
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