Professional Learning Calendar

So what is SDLMI (Self-Determined Learning Models of Instruction)?

Written by Charity Roberts on . Posted in News, Professional Learning, Transition

Being self-determined is about acting as the causal agent in one’s life (Shogren et al., 2015). Causal agents are people who make or cause things happen in their lives. People who are self-determined self-initiate and self-regulate action to solve problems, make decisions, and set goals that impact their lives. Adolescents become more self-determined as they engage in problem-solving and decision-making actions, set and work toward goals, identify their interests and preferences, and advocate for themselves and their needs. These actions are critical for all students and are often part of the curriculum. However, students will need support to learn and practice these skills if they are to lead self-determined lives.

By Elise James, Georgia Department of Education

Self-determination has been on the radar of advocates, school districts and researcher for close to twenty years. The need for students with disabilities to have the opportunity to build self-determination became a focus of IDEA 04 with the inclusion of language that requires the participation of students with disabilities in transition planning. Since 2010, students with disabilities in Georgia have had the opportunity to build self-determination skills by participating in their IEP through the Active Student Participation Inspires Real Engagement (ASPIRE) Project. Today the project is available for students with disabilities in every GLRS region, 20 GNETS and over 500 schools. Some districts have committed to providing this opportunity for students in pre-k through 12th grade. Districts have seen positive outcomes for students as a result of students with disabilities as a result of their participation in ASPIRE.

What is self-determination? While there are multiple definitions, the GaDOE transition manual interprets it as “…a concept that emphasizes the belief that all individuals have the right to direct their own lives through the choices they make”.

For students this includes:

A combination of skills, knowledge, and beliefs that enable a person to engage in goal-directed, self- regulated, autonomous behavior.

An understanding of one’s strengths and limitations, together with a belief of oneself as capable and effective, are essential to self-determination.

Participation in student-led IEPs is one of the ways students can become self-determined. The Georgia Department of Education, Division of Special Education Services and Supports is intensifying their efforts to support districts to provide opportunities for all students to develop self-determination skills. Beginning this school year (2018-2019), the division will provide training and support for all districts who wish to implement the Self Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI). The SDLMI is an evidence-based teaching model that can be used across all disciplines and aspects of life that enables students to use a problem solving, goal-setting strategy to:

Make choices and decisions
Develop action plans for academic goals
Self-monitor and self-evaluate progress toward academic goals

We are pleased to partner with the University of Kansas, under the direction of Dr. Michael Wehmeyer, to support training and implementation of the SDLMI and the Self-Determination Inventory, a research-based tool for measuring self-determination. GaDOE is determined to provide all students in Georgia public schools with the opportunity to be self-determined.

For more information for how you can be a part of this work, contact Elise James, GaDOE Program Specialist at ejames@doe.k12.ga.us .

“… We know it (self-determination) is just another word for a life filled with rising expectations, dignity and respect and opportunities.” (Robert Williams, Former Commissioner of the US Departmental of Health and Human Services Administration on Developmental Disabilities and person with a disability)

Information from the University of Kansas is located HERE

The contents of this site were developed under an IDEA grant from the Department of Education. However, these contents do not necessarily represent the policy of the Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.  No materials developed with IDEA funds may be sold for profit.

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