STUDENT SELF-REPORT MEASURE OF SELF-DETERMINATION FOR STUDENTS WITH COGNITIVE DISABILITIES

There is increased attention to the importance of self-determination a s an educational outcome for students receiving special education serv ices. However, until recently there have been few definitional framewo rks in which to conceptualize self-determination as an educational out come and assess this outcome. This article presents findings from the field-test of a student self-report measure of self-determination desi gned for adolescents with mild mental retardation and learning disabil ities. The scale operationalizes a definitional framework of self-dete rmination as an educational outcome and provides a vehicle for student s and educators to examine self-determination and discuss potential go als and objectives related to this outcome. The utility of the scale f or instructional and research activities is discussed.