Term
Summer 2026
Capstone
Capstone Project
Degree Name
MAT
Facilitator(s)
Jana Lo Bello Miller
Content Expert
Margaret Kraske
Abstract
Transition age students with disabilities are increasingly expected to practice self advocacy and take an active role in planning their futures. However, a review of existing special education literature reveals a significant gap. While substantial resources exist to help parents and general education teachers navigate the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. Accessible for age appropriate tools designed directly for student understanding remain scarce. To bridge this divide, this project introduces a student centered curriculum framework designed for secondary students in grades 7 through 12. Drawing upon foundational special education pedagogy, the project breaks down complex IEP terminology, processes, and meeting structures into accessible learning modules. Through instructional tools, including interactive mock IEP video analyses, accommodation color coding exercises, and structured goal reflections, students learn to comprehend their own educational plans, distinguish between accommodations and modifications, and evaluate their own meeting readiness. By demystifying the IEP behind the scenes, this project shifts transition age students from passive recipients to informed, active self advocates in their educational planning.
Project Type
Curriculum
Keywords
Special Education
Recommended Citation
Hansen, Grace, "Understanding the Alphabet Soup of the Special Education System" (2026). School of Education and Leadership Student Capstone Projects. 1208.
https://digitalcommons.hamline.edu/hse_cp/1208
dc_type
text
dc_publisher
DigitalCommons@Hamline
dc_format
application/pdf
dc_source
School of Education Student Capstone Projects