Colleen A. Thoma, PhD
Teacher's Manual
Teacher's Manual
Self-Determination
The Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction
Examples
Assessment
Evaluation
Lesson Plan Resources
Self-Determination and Standards of Learning
Case Study - Earl
Earl is a 17-year-old student with learning disabilities attending a public high school. He has been receiving services in special education since elementary school. He has always struggled with reading and was recently identified as having dyslexia. In the 11th grade the Wilson Reading Program was introduced to him and has helped improve his reading skills; however, Earl is very frustrated with school and has begun acting out. He has been spotted hanging out with individuals thought to be gang members. We do not know if illegal drug use is part of Earl’s life, but he does talk about drugs and the drug culture during conversations with him. Earl’s mother is very involved in his life and does not know what to do about her son. His dad is not an active part of his life.
Earl has recently been placed in an alternative school. Since being in the alternative school, Earl has worked towards getting his driver’s license and recently passed the written driving test at DMV with accommodations. Earl really wants to get a car and knows that he needs a job to pay for this. He is concerned about applying for a job because of his reading skills and doesn’t know what he wants to do.
Earl does not have very many friends and does not enjoy being around a lot of people. He does enjoy working with his uncle, who owns a landscaping business. He also enjoys working with tools and building things. He has been known to take apart his mother’s lawnmower and put it back together again. He is able to build and rebuild many things.
What will happen to Earl? How can the self-determined learning model of instruction be used with Earl?