Creating a Decision-Making Curriculum for Students with and without Disabilities in Grades P-12

The Hunter College School of Education, supported by the New York State Council for Developmental Disabilities has created a new decision-making curriculum for students with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) in Grades K-12. One of the most important purposes of school is to give students the skills to become successful adults who make informed decisions. This is especially crucial for students with disabilities. Often, schools do not provide students with disabilities the decision-making skills needed to make essential life decisions, creating a lack of preparation for living independently in the world (Holland and St. John, 2021). Students also need to understand that no one makes decisions without support, and that they are able to choose individuals in their lives who can assist with the decision-making process. Most importantly, students with and without disabilities deserve the opportunity to practice decision making skills in an academic setting (Luchovius and Ziemke, 2019). The Hunter College SOE/NYS CDD Decision Making Curriculum, available free for use for all students, provide students with knowledge and understanding regarding the steps to decision making (Wehmeyer, 2007).