Brief Biography
Elise James has been a Program Specialist with the Georgia Department of Education in the Division for Special Education Services and Supports for 5.5 years. She works primarily within the State Professional Development Grant (SPDG) and is the main contact for the development and reporting of the State Performance Plan and Annual Performance Reports. Her duties within the SPDG include:Project Manager for the state’s student-led IEP initiative (ASPIRE) and coordinator /logistics personnel for the SPDG’s College and Career Readiness Project (CCaR).
Elise has worked in special education for 33.5 years. In addition to working in Georgia, she spent 22 years in Florida schools teaching students with disabilities (intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, and behavior disorders) and 4 years at the state level.
Elise is a certified teacher in Florida and Georgia. She earned a bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Pace University, New York and a Master’s degree from Florida State University, Florida.
Highest Degree of Presenter(s)
Masters of Science, Emotional Disturbances and Learning Disabilities
Presentation Abstract
For the past four years, the Georgia Department of Education, Division for Special Education Services and Support has been encouraging districts to implement ASPIRE, a student led IEP initiative, for students with disabilities. Research has indicated that students who participate in their IEPs develop skills in self-advocacy and self-determination, problem solving, self-evaluation, choice making, and decision-making which are critical for assuming control over the direction for their future.
This presentation will focus on the structure, resources, and methodologies for participation used in ASPIRE. In addition, information will be given on student outcome data and the impact of the program on families and participating districts.
Recommended Citation
James, Elise, "Building Self-Determination Skills through Participation in Student Led IEPs" (2014). Georgia Association for Positive Behavior Support Conference. 51.
https://digitalcommons.georgiasouthern.edu/gapbs/2014/2014/51
Building Self-Determination Skills through Participation in Student Led IEPs
For the past four years, the Georgia Department of Education, Division for Special Education Services and Support has been encouraging districts to implement ASPIRE, a student led IEP initiative, for students with disabilities. Research has indicated that students who participate in their IEPs develop skills in self-advocacy and self-determination, problem solving, self-evaluation, choice making, and decision-making which are critical for assuming control over the direction for their future.
This presentation will focus on the structure, resources, and methodologies for participation used in ASPIRE. In addition, information will be given on student outcome data and the impact of the program on families and participating districts.
