Self-Determination

"There is not available a more comprehensive book in the area of self-determination."—Melinda Pierson, Department of Special EducationCalifornia State University, Fullerton

"Unique because it provides direction for teaching and supporting self-determined behavior across all age groups and also within the general education classroom and curricula."—Marianne Mooney, Senior Research AssociateTransCen, Inc., Post-Secondary Learning and Careers

Give students with disabilities powerful tools for success in school and in life!

Michael Wehmeyer and Sharon Field present research-proven instructional strategies that empower special needs students at all grade levels to make their own decisions.

Self-Determination offers detailed and current practitioner-oriented approaches in combination with extensive teacher reproducibles—all within the context of inclusion, standards-based reform, and access to the general curriculum. Linked to the IDEA requirement for individualized transition plans, this user-friendly resource assists practitioners in teaching the skills necessary for making decisions about employment, job skills, further schooling, and independent living. Educators will discover how to:

• Encourage students to become their own advocates by practicing assertive behavior
• Use needs-assessment techniques to determine the level of instruction required for each student
• Teach effective choice making, problem solving, and goal setting
• Support both families and fellow educators in their efforts to teach self-determination skills

Special education teachers, general educators, and administrators will find this handbook an invaluable guide for helping students establish their own goals and plan for a strong and healthy future!