Professional Documents
Culture Documents
University of Kansas
Brent Seager
Prior to selecting a student and meeting with my mentor teacher, I began the process of
selecting a student that I wanted to work with in completing the self-determination project.
There were several different items that I considered before making my selection, I considered
student goals, needs, schedule, motivation, and attendance. After careful consideration and
observation, I had narrowed the search down to two students that met the criteria mentioned
above. I was then able to meet with my mentor teacher and explain the criteria that I used to
narrow the selection process for the selection of a student for the self-determination project.
During my collaboration, my mentor asked me if I had considered how the student might
be perceived by their peers if they are selected for the project; I had not considered this and
decided that holding off the selection of a student until I had discussed this with each student in
my classroom. I learned that collaboration is an essential resource that can provide additional
support to educators and should be utilized to provide the best learning environment possible for
the students. The collaboration process was a great experience that allowed me to see details that
I overlooked for the self-determination project, which allowed me to decide on which student I
would select for this project. The only adjustment that I would make in the future is to consider
more options and plan for more time to meet with my mentor teacher.
Outcome
While there are several goals and outcomes that can be met from my selection and
working with the student for the self-determination project, the main outcome that I am hoping
for is an increase in the student’s confidence and engagement. The student that I have selected
has difficulty in many of their classes because of a lack of confidence, engagement, social skills,
and motivation. I believe that working with the student for this project will allow me to address
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many of the skill deficits, while focusing on the outcome that will significantly improve the way
in which the student engages and participates in the learning environment. Even though this is
going to be a challenging process, I am confident that I have selected a student that will benefit
Essential Elements
There were many essential elements and considerations that I made before selecting a
student to work with. I examined attendance, as it is vital that the student is in the building to
complete the project. I also looked at skill deficits, and the possibility of addressing the most
skill deficits in this project. Perhaps one of the biggest deciding factors in the selection of a
student for the self-determination project was their schedule, as I was needing a student that I
provided services to for several different class periods throughout the day. The reason for this is
that this project may require some flexibility, and if I only provide services for the student for
one class, then I will not have many opportunities to work on this project. While other factors
and considerations were made, the three listed above are the most important elements that I
Inclusion
While the student that I have selected will not be participating with non-disabled peers in
an inclusion environment, as the student attends a special day school and attends a special
education class at their home school. The student will have the opportunity to be included in
their learning process, which will increase motivation and self-determination. The inclusion of
the student in the learning process will also allow the student to work on other skills, such as
self-advocacy and self-awareness, thus increasing the student’s motivation to participate in the
project and in the classroom. Even though the student is not fully included with non-disabled
peers, I believe that the project will allow me to address skill deficits and the selected student
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will be able to be in inclusion classes with disabled and non-disabled peers in a general education
setting.
Support
There are several people that I will need support from to complete the self-determination
project throughout this course. I will first need support from my mentor teacher, as she will
evaluate, observe, and provide feedback on what went well and areas for improvement. I will
also need the support of the selected student, as I will be working with them throughout the
project. Perhaps the biggest support need is that of my colleagues, as their support will be
essential in allowing me to be successful in completing this project. While other support options
might be necessary further into the project, I believe that the support mentioned above does
highlight a majority of the support that I will need to be successful with this project.
Evaluation
Observation and evaluation are essential to this project, and if the student is not making
progress, then additional considerations or supports will need to be put into place. Observations
of the student will occur daily during the project, and weekly meetings with my mentor teacher
will allow me to make instructional changes that will allow the student to be more successful in
the classroom. I believe that observation is going to be my biggest resource in determining the
next steps to take in moving forward with instruction. Despite observation being the biggest
resource, assessments will also drive instruction and learning as well; making this a multi-faceted
approach project. Even though I will undoubtedly have to modify instruction, assignments, and
activities, I believe that this is a necessary step in providing the student with the best possible
Challenges
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Even though I do not expect many challenges to arise when working with the selected
student for the self-determination project, I do foresee a few challenges that could arise
throughout the project. The first challenge that could impact my ability to work with the student
is the weather, as being out of school will impact the amount of instructional time that is
available to work with the selected student. Another challenge that I am concerned about is the
school schedule, as the students will have a six-day break in the middle of February, which could
impact this project significantly. Perhaps my biggest possible challenge that I might experience
during this project is that the student may not become unmotivated to participate in the project
several weeks into it. While these concerns could impact my ability to complete this project, I
believe that setting a timeline and schedule for completion will allow me to work around these
challenges.
Communication
determine the effectiveness of the instruction on the student. I have no communication concerns
with the student’s family, as the family is very responsive to our staff and supportive of their
student. With para educators and other teachers, I have already talked to them about the course
and what to expect over the next several weeks, and they have been very supportive and helpful;
and I do not foresee any concerns within this area of communication. My mentor teacher is
flexible and encouraging, she plans ahead of time and I do not see any communication or
collaboration concerns arising with my mentor teacher either. I believe that the current