Self-Determination Toolkit

“Teaching Self-Determination in Alaskan Schools: A Toolkit for Teachers”

“Teaching Self-Determination in Alaskan Schools: A Toolkit for Teachers” is a project sponsored by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. The kit has been developed for teachers, parents, students and other professionals who are interested in promoting self-determination within home, school and community settings. If students with disabilities are to be successful in maximizing opportunities for self-determination in adulthood, they need to be equipped with the knowledge, beliefs, and skills that lead to self-determination in their educational programs. 

The project is in its fifth year of providing technical assistance and training on teaching self-determination skills. Training for staff include strategies to support students in special education with developing skills that lead to successful transition to adulthood. Research has found that students who are more determined are more likely to be employed and live independently in the community after completing high school than students who are less self-determined. The toolkit has been designed to provide materials, which include activities, lessons and resources on implementing self-determination skills that meet the requirements for self-determination content, found in the Alaskan Content Standards and the Alternate Assessment. 

Currently thirty school districts are participating in the project.  Survey results from teacher participants this past year indicate strong support for promoting self-determination instruction, involving students in their individual educational planning process and continued involvement in the project.  During 2005-2006 the project is expanding the number of districts receiving materials, instruction and support.

Upcoming Events

Fall Forum - November 6-8, 2008, Charlotte, N.C.ww.essentialschools.org

Join us at Fall Forum to take a stand for the relationships, pedagogy, structures, and policies that create and sustain personalized, equitable, and intellectually challenging schools for all of our children. K-12 educators, students, parents, and other leading thinkers in education meet at Fall Forum to collaborate and inspire school transformation.

2008 TASH Conference - December 3-6, in Nashville, TNSocial Justice in the 21st Century-www.tash.org/2008/

Re-ignite your passion for our shared mission
Learn practical information for immediate use
Become a source of change in your community
Access the newest research findings and innovations
Get involved in current national issues and policy debates

ASSEC The Alaska Statewide Special Education Conference - February 19-21, 2009, Anchorage, AK. www.assec.org

Pacific Rim Conference - check back for dates http://www.pacrim.hawaii.edu/

With its beginnings dating back to 1985, the Pacific Rim Conference has evolved into one of the top rated international educational offerings for and from persons with disabilities, family members, researchers, service providers, policymakers and nationally recognized professionals in the various disciplines in the diverse field of disabilities. Learn by checking out the website!

CEC- Council for Exceptional Children - April 1-4, 2009, Seattle, WA. www.cec.org

Response to Intervention- Autism Spectrum Disorder- Preparing Students for transition-Effective strategies to teach content-The newest resources for students with disabilities and/or gifts and MUCH more!

Super Planman-Jake and Lynn Take Control Superplanners-Jake and Lynn Lead Their IEP
SuperPlanMan takes an entertaining look at how self-determination can be taught from elementary through high school. SuperPlanners is a light-hearted tale of students learning to lead their IEP meetings and direct their own education.