ABSTRACT

The theory of self-determination relates to the “can do attitude” necessary for all students to succeed. Promoting self-determination has become a best practice in special education. Self-determination is the ability to know one’s personal needs and to take action to meet those needs. Self-determination is “a combination of skills, knowledge and beliefs that enable a person to engage in goal directed, self-regulated, autonomous behavior”. Basically, self-determination is the ability to know readerselves and get what they want from life. Sometimes, in schools and at home, adults do not let students with emotional and behavioral challenges make choices, try new things, or do things independently. At school and at home the authors need to help students find their strengths and talents and then have them practice attaining goals and making choices.