Self-Directed IEP

Active student engagement in their educational meeting and transition plannig discussions predicts post-school education and employment outcomes. The Self-Directed IEP is an evidenced-based instructional practice that teaches students to become active participants in their IEP meetings with coaching being provided as needed by the teacher who taught the lessons. Overtime students use their learned skills to lead their IEP meetings. Once the Self-Directed IEP skills are learned and practiced, we recommend educators teach student more detailed IEP engagement using the other ChoiceMaker lesson packages and the instructional materials found at the I'm Determined web site.

Description. The Self-Directed IEP contains 11 sequential lessons that typically take six to ten 45-minute sessions to teach. Lessons may be taught in a resource room, study skills class, or other settings. To teach students who are fully included in general education classes, teachers may choose to meet students during study skills or similar class. Some teachers hold an IEP Leadership retreat day to teach students the Self-Directed IEP skills.  

The Self-Directed IEP contains four instructional tools.

1. Self-Directed IEP in Action video (7 minutes). This captioned video shows students with different disabilities using the self-directed IEP lessons in their classes and talking about their experiences. This video is used to introduce the self-directed IEP to students, parents, teachers, and administrators.

2. Self-Directed IEP video (17 minutes). This video, available in both a captioned or uncaptioned version, depuicts a student, named Zeke, describing how he led his IEP meeting to a younger, reluctant friend. Through flashbacks, Zeke models each of the 11 steps of the Self-Directed IEP.

3. Teacher’s Manual. This manual provides background information, detailed scripted lesson
plans, and a teacher answer key to the quizzes and activities. Detailed lessons include
a variety of activities to teach each step, including a mnemonic learning strategy,
vocabulary-building exercises, role-playing, discussion, and brief reading and writing
activities. The lessons are all presented in a model, lead, test approach.

4. Student Workbook. This consumable workbook provides students an opportunity to
apply each step of the Self-Directed IEP to their own meeting. Students complete a
script which summarizes all the steps to take with them to their own IEP meetings.

To download additional information about Self-Directed IEP, click on the link below. Self-Directed IEP info sheet (pdf)

To access the Self-Directed IEP lesson package, click on ChoiceMaker Lesson Packages in the left side menu.