I'm Determined

I'm Determined: What it is…

I’m Determined is a state-directed project funded by the Virginia Department of Education, which focuses on providing direct instruction, models, and opportunities to practice skills associated with self-determined behavior beginning at the elementary level and continuing through a student’s educational career. The self-determined student knows how to set and achieve goals and has a greater understanding of personal strengths and how to get support for areas of need.

The I’m Determined project supports educators and families in their efforts to increase student self-determination skills to improve school performance and post-school outcomes. Resources developed through the project and housed on the I’m Determined website include modules, videos, lesson plans, student materials and other tools. TTAC coordinators provide technical assistance to schools and school districts to support self-determination efforts.

The I’m Determined Youth Summit provides an opportunity for students with disabilities across the state to converge to further develop leadership and self-determination skills. The project supports more than 100 students and families to attend the annual statewide event.

What is Self-Determination?

The I’m Determined Project bases its practices on nine elements of self-determination. Though there are many definitions of self-determination, at I’m Determined, self-determination is defined as: knowing and believing in yourself, knowing what you want your future to be by making plans to achieve your future goals, and knowing what supports are needed to take control of your life.  

The elements on the top row of the chart are the foundational skills youth need to build their autonomy or independence. As students gain confidence in these skills they will feel more competent in their abilities to set goals, self-regulate and self-advocate. Finally, students will develop their sense of identity and find it easier to relate to others once they have developed self-efficacy, self-awareness and a sense of control over outcomes in their lives.

Student Involvement in the IEP

I’m Determined has developed a series of four videos where you can explore Student Involvement in the IEP process utilizing three tools: The One-Pager, The Good Day Plan, and The Goal Plan.

These videos provide instructions on how to use these tools to increase student involvement in the IEP process. Hear from Determinators and Youth Leaders who have used these tools and who have participated in their IEPs.