ERIC Number: EJ1309211
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2021-Aug
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1934-9491
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Available Date: N/A
Curricular Philosophies Reflected in Individualized Education Program Goals for Students with Complex Support Needs
Kurth, Jennifer A.; Lockman-Turner, Elissa; Burke, Kathryn; Ruppar, Andrea L.
Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, v59 n4 p283-294 Aug 2021
Individualized education program (IEP) goals are meant to be personalized to address the unique needs of students with disabilities, while also reflecting the student's grade-aligned general education curriculum. IEP goals describe what, how, and where students with disabilities are taught, and reflect the curriculum used to provide instruction. In this study, we analyzed how IEP goals align with the different curricular philosophies for students with severe disabilities. Using a sample of 88 IEPs for students with complex support needs (i.e., severe disabilities) in Grades K-12, we found most goals (57%) reflect curricular philosophies of the 1970s-1990s (i.e., developmental, functional, and social inclusion) eras, with only 26% of IEP goals representative of modern curricular philosophies (i.e., grade-aligned academic content). We also found secondary-aged students were less likely to have grade-aligned academic goals compared to elementary-aged students. We offer implications for ensuring individualization and goals reflecting skills needed for the 21st century.
Descriptors: Individualized Education Programs, Students with Disabilities, Elementary Secondary Education, Severe Disabilities, Educational Philosophy, Alignment (Education), Educational Objectives, Curriculum
American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities. P.O. Box 1897, Lawrence, KS 66044-1897. Tel: 785-843-1235; Fax: 785-843-1274; e-mail: AJMR@allenpress.com; Web site: https://meridian.allenpress.com/aaidd
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Elementary Secondary Education
Audience: N/A
Language: English
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