Student, Teacher & Parent perceptions of a Website for Choosing High School Classes

This poster presentation describes the results of a pilot study in which a small group of

students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) used a new website to select

potential high school classes. The purpose of the study was to determine to what extent a

course-selection website developed for the study provided a viable format for independent

student use. We collected data on student, teacher and parent perceptions of the website

and their recommendations for improvement. Finally, we attempted to discover how access

to online information about potential high school courses, available in a simplified format,

might influence decision-making among student participants. Students and teachers

provided critical feedback on the usefulness and format of the website and insight into

variables that mattered to them when selecting which classes to take or helping students

with the decision-making process. The study also revealed how students in the study are

currently engaged in selecting classes. The results of the study are preliminary and support

the premise that accessing this website to get information about potential high school

classes strengthened student involvement in decision-making. An overview of the key

findings from this qualitative research study will be presented with an emphasis on how

students can use the website to be more involved in the IEP process.