Self-Determination and Transition Planning

Karrie A. Shogren, Ph.D.

Packed with practical, research-validated guidance on explicitly teaching self-determination skills, this book helps educators support students in communicating their interests and needs, setting and reaching goals, and managing their own lives.

Self-determination has a powerful positive impact on post-school outcomes for young adults with disabilities—but how can educators teach students the skills they need to make their own choices and achieve their goals as they enter adulthood? This empowering guidebook shows the way. Packed with practical, research-validated guidance on explicitly teaching self-determination skills, this book helps educators support students in communicating their interests and needs, setting and reaching goals, and managing their own lives. Ready-to-use worksheets and activities will help students take an active role in their transition planning, and true case stories highlight the benefits of self-determination instruction: smoother transitions, improved behavior, and fulfilling lives beyond the classroom.

DISCOVER HOW TO

• Assess a student's current level of self-determination
• Teach essential skills that strengthen self-determination
• Embed individualized supports and instructional activities within a student's existing education program
• Create repeated opportunities for students to practice their self-determination skills
• Collaborate effectively with students and families
• Develop strong person-centered support teams with the student taking a lead role in transition planning
• Build support for self-determination across entire schools and communities

Teach essential self-determination skills:

• Expressing preferences
• Making choices
• Self-management skills
• Goal setting and attainment
• Self-advocacy skills

This book is part of the Brookes Publishing Transition to Adulthood Series

Reviews

Sharon Hoffman, Co-Director, Initiative for Self-Determination, College of Education, Wayne State University - March 11, 2013

“A practical, user-friendly resource built on a solid research foundation . . . filled with practical examples and useful resources for assessment and instruction.”

Susan Palmer, Research Professor, Special Education, University of Kansas - March 4, 2013

“A well-planned, comprehensive, research-based, practical perspective on self-determination . . . Shogren knows self-determination and transition well and writes about it in clear, concise prose.”

Martin Agran, University of Wyoming - February 28, 2013

“The most current book about self-determination-how to assess, teach, and support it; and, most importantly, how to create opportunities and build systems of support to promote self-determination.”

Erik Carter, Department of Special Education, Peabody College at Vanderbilt - February 19, 2013

“Shogren shows readers how to put an essential principle into everyday practice. This is the guide to have for fostering self-determination among students with disabilities.”

Series Editor: Paul Wehman Ph.D. Board Members: Renee Cameto Ph.D., Teresa Grossi Ph.D., Barbara Guy, Debra Hart M.S., Peg Lamb Ph.D., Richard L. Rosenberg Ph.D., David W. Test Ph.D., Michael L. Wehmeyer Ph.D. Author: Karrie A. Shogren Ph.D.