This is who I am

Today I am going to explain a project I use in my classroom. However, this is not something I created. It is a similar project to one when I took a transition class and also used it when I co-taught the same class. The project is expected to assist with self-identification, which is often thought of as a piece of self-determination, although not everyone agrees with this concept.

The project consists of students creating a presentation titled (you guessed it), "This is who I am."

First, students write or think or talk about their strengths, areas of need, hopes, and wants. Of course, other components can be added if desired.

Second, students choose how they want to present the information from the first step. It can be an electronic presentation, a poster, a collage, music, etc.

And yes, I did have a student create a presentation using the music he made.

Third, the teacher talks with the students about how IEPs are their meetings and are about them. I also ask the students if they want a bunch of people talking about them or if they would like to state who they are and what they need.

Fourth, students practice presenting to the class.

Fifth, students come to their IEP meeting(s) and lead the meeting using their "This is who I am" project.

Please leave a comment with questions, suggestions, or whatever else comes to mind.

Thank you,

Neal Lieberman

Ph.D. Student