This study investigated the effects of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) on the academic skill performance of three junior high school students with moderate to severe intellectual disabilities. The academic skills taught were aligned to the district general curriculum, and extended benchmarks were individually determined. The students were instructed to engage in a self-regulated problem-solving strategy, as well as to use one or more additional student-directed learning strategies. The results suggested that all students were able to acquire and maintain target academic skills to mastery levels. Also, all stakeholders had positive perceptions about the value of such instruction. The implications of these findings relative to the general curriculum initiative are discussed.

Although rehabilitation counselors potentially play a vital role in the transition process, available data suggest that their participation has been limited. Based upon responses to two surveys, this study examined how and to what extent rehabilitation counselors participate in the transition process. One survey was sent to a sample of special educators, the other to a sample of rehabilitation counselors. The findings suggest that the role rehabilitation counselors serve is inadequate, exacerbated by the finding that many counselors are not being invited to transition planning meetings by school personnel, parents, or teachers. The implications of the findings are discussed, and recommendations for promoting better collaboration are suggested.

Promoting self-determination has been identified as a means to both promote access to the general education curriculum and focus on transition-related skills. In particular, the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) has been found to be effective in producing successful transition and academic outcomes for students with cognitive disabilities. The SDLMI enables teachers to teach students a self-directed problem-solving process that enables students to self-regulate learning. This study investigates the effects of the SDLMI on a variety of academic skills for three junior high students with extensive support needs included in a general education health class. Positive changes were reported for all students. The implications of these findings are discussed.

This study investigated the effects of the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction on student-selected work skills for 4 students with moderate to severe disabilities. The students learned to set their own goals, develop an action plan, implement the plan, and adjust their goals and plans as needed. Three of the 4 participants achieved their self-selected goals, and 1 student did not meet the mastery criterion, but performed at a higher level during the training condition than in baseline. The results provide support for self-determination instruction for transition-age youth with moderate to severe disabilities.