Self-Determination Guide: Promoting Findings and Strategies from a Survey of Wisconsin Paraprofessionals

This 2009 University of Wisconsin research study on promoting self-determination  also includes a strategy guide with lesson plans and tips for elementary and secondary planning.

Promoting self-determination refers to equipping

students with the skills, knowledge, and attitudes

they need to assume primary control and

responsibility for an array of life activities. The

survey asked paraprofessionals to evaluate seven

domains of self-determination:

1.Choice-making

2.Decision-making

3.Problem-solving

4.Goal-setting and attainment

5.Self-advocacy and leadership

6.Self-management and self-regulation

7.Self-awareness and self-knowledge

Paraprofessionals were asked to rate (a) the

importance of teaching each self-determination skill

and (b) how often they teach each skill.