 Self-Determination
for Postsecondary Students
This Web topic explores how self-determination—the combined
skills of self-awareness, self-advocacy, self-efficacy, decision-making,
independent performance, self-evaluation, and adjustment—can
contribute to an individual’s ability to establish and achieve
his or her goals during and after higher education experiences.
Introduction
Postsecondary education and training is considered a gateway to high-skilled jobs of the 21st century. Although more students with disabilities are entering higher education than in the past, the majority leave before completing their program or degree. One reason for this is that many youth with disabilities lack the self-determination skills—such as the ability to articulate their strengths and advocate for their needs—necessary for success in postsecondary education and ultimately the workplace. Without necessary accommodations, students with disabilities may become discouraged with their lack of success and may discontinue their postsecondary education. A possible explanation for students’ limited development of self-determination is that many educators are unaware of how to help them develop such skills. In addition, students may have limited opportunities to make choices and act independently. As a result, many students with disabilities exit high school with little experience in self-advocacy, which is an important self-determination skill for negotiating new responsibilities in postsecondary education and the workplace.
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