Effects of Teaching Self-Determination Skills Using the Common Core State Standards

Research has indicated students can learn both transition planning and a wide variety of academic skills; however, due to recent legislation and the widely adopted Common Core State Standards, transition planning skills are sometimes being de-emphasized in favor of academic instruction. This study used a multiple probe across participants design to examine the effects of teaching both post-school options instruction and presentation skills instruction in the same lessons on students’ ability to deliver presentations on their post-school goals. Data indicate students were able to improve their ability to deliver presentations on their post-school goals; however, only one participant improved his ability to apply knowledge of post-school options. Maintenance data indicate all three students were able to maintain their ability to deliver their post-school goal presentation, while generalization data indicate two of the three students were able to deliver their presentation in an informal transition planning meeting.