5 Examples of Student Self-Advocacy

With IEP Goal Examples!

**DEAR SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS**

Let's dive into the topic of self-advocacy, a crucial skill for your students in special education. Empowering them with self-advocacy skills can significantly impact their educational journey and future success.

In this blog post, we'll explore five types of self-advocacy tailored to the unique needs of special education students, along with corresponding Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals to consider for your student’s next IEP.

Self-Advocacy Skills & Goals

Here are ten examples of how you can practice self-advocacy in school:

Asking Questions: Encourage your students to ask questions as a means of taking control of their learning process. Set goals such as:
1. By [date], [Student] will increase their ability to ask appropriate and relevant questions in class to clarify understanding by asking at least [2 questions] per class period, as measured by [informal observations].
2. By [date], [Student] will use a variety of questioning strategies (such as "why," "how," and "what if") to ask relevant questions in class discussions and activities, with [80% accuracy] as measured by [teacher observation and student self-reflection].
Seeking Clarification: Help students feel comfortable seeking clarification when they're unsure about something. Establish goals like:
1. By [date], [Student] will improve their ability to seek clarification by asking their teacher for help when they do not understand something in class, with [minimal] prompting at least [once per class period], as measured by [teacher observation and student self-reflection].
2. By [date], [Student] will demonstrate improved ability to seek clarification by [using specific phrases] such as "Can you please explain that again?" or "I didn't understand, can you help me?" at least [twice per class period], as measured by [teacher observation and student self-reflection].
Speaking Up in Class: Encourage participation to foster confidence and social interaction. Consider goals such as:
1. By [date], [Student] will improve their ability to [speak up in class] by [volunteering to answer] at least [one question per class period], with appropriate language and tone, as measured by [teacher observation and student self-reflection].
2. By [date], the [Student] will increase their [participation in class discussions] by speaking up at least [once per class period], with relevant and on-topic contributions, as measured by [teacher observation and student self-reflection].
Asking for Accommodations: Teach students the importance of advocating for their needs and requesting necessary accommodations. Goals may include:
1. By [date], [Student] will improve their ability to [ask for accommodations] by [identifying at least one accommodation] that would help them in the classroom and [asking their teacher for it] at least [once per week], with appropriate language and tone, as measured by [teacher observation and student self-reflection].
2. By [date], [Student[ will demonstrate increased self-advocacy skills by [requesting accommodations in a variety of settings], such as the classroom, cafeteria, or playground, at least [twice per week], using appropriate language and tone, as measured by [teacher observation and student
  self-reflection].
Goal Setting: Guide students in setting academic and personal goals to drive their progress. Establish goals like:
1. By [date], [Student] will demonstrate increased independence in [goal setting] by identifying at least [two areas for improvement in their academic performance, setting goals for improvement, and monitoring progress towards those goals], with [minimal prompting] as measured by [teacher observation and student self-reflection].
2. By [date], [Student] will improve their [goal-setting skills] by [setting specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART) goals] in at least [two subject areas], with [minimal prompting] as measured by [teacher observation and student self-reflection].

BREAKING IT ALL DOWN

Encourage students to break their goals into manageable steps for improved motivation and success. Additionally, prompt them to brainstorm and set additional self-advocacy goals tailored to their individual needs and aspirations. By fostering self-advocacy skills, you empower your special education students to take charge of their education and future endeavors. Encourage them to set goals and work diligently towards achieving them. They've got your support every step of the way!