Among Special Education graduates, those with the most self-determination skills have the highest likelihood of attaining outcomes such as employment, independent living, financial independence, health insurance and other benefits. (Wehmeyer and Palmer, 2003; Periano, 1992; Halpern, 1990).
Self-determination includes a variety of complex and important skills. Sample self-determination skills are: informed decision-making; setting goals based upon understanding ones strengths, weaknesses and interests; evaluating ones own progress; developing a support system; advocating for oneself; and understanding the pros and cons of disclosing disability. These skills take years to learn, practice and generalize.
Participants in this workshop will learn how to explicitly teach self-determination skills needed for success after high school. They will learn to develop effective routines that provide guided practice for these skills in the elementary and secondary classroom.
Morning Session:
- Self-Determination Research
- Teaching Key Self-Determination Skills
- Decision-Making/Goal Setting/Action Planning
- Self Evaluation/Problem Solving
Afternoon Session:
-Guided Practice and Generalization
-Classroom Routines (practice opportunities)
-Disability Disclosure
Professional development sessions are offered for Berks County Intermediate Unit member district staff and staff from organizations supporting students from Berks County member districts. Additionally, sessions are offered for Pennsylvania districts per contracted work that falls under the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) Statewide System of Support services. Fees will apply to all other participants as listed in the Frontline registration.
If you have any questions, please contact Claribel Reyes Lopez at clarey@berksiu.org or 610-987-8425.