Self-Directed IEP: Bridging Values of Diverse Cultures and Secondary Education

Abstract

This article describes the relationships among the Self-Directed IEP, cultural values, self-determination, and transition. Educators must move toward understanding collectivist values to provide appropriate opportunities to succeed within an individualistic school culture for culturally and linguistically diverse students with Individualized Education Programs and their families. The Self-Directed IEP process is a tool for culture sharing, which has been identified as a best practice for meeting the needs, preferences, and interests of culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families. School districts may use the Self-Directed IEP process to bridge the chasm between the individualistic values of schools and collectivist values of culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families to facilitate culturally appropriate transitions to adulthood.