Alaska Content Standards and Principles of Self-Determination

In December 1995 the Alaska State Board of Education adopted a set of content standards for Alaska’s schools. Since their adoption, these standards have been defining the way that Alaska approaches education and have shifted the focus of our educational system to student outcomes. This curriculum has been developed with Alaska’s Content Standards in mind. Research and experience tell us that infusing self-determination lessons with existing content standards increases the effectiveness of the material and likelihood that teachers will incorporate the lessons into their teaching (Agran, Snow, & Swaner, 1999). The specific content standards addressed in this toolkit are:

English/Language Arts:

Standard A “A student should be able to speak and write well for a variety of purposes and audiences;” (lesson plans 2, 12)
Standard D “A student should be able to think logically and reflectively in order to present and explain positions based on relevant and reliable information;” (lesson plan 12)
Standard E “A student should understand and respect the perspectives of others in order to communicate effectively.” (lesson plan 2)

Government and Citizenship:

Standard A “A student should know and understand how societies define authority, rights, and responsibilities through a governmental process;” (lesson plans 8, 11)
Standard C “A student should understand the character of government of the state;” (lesson plan11)
Standard E “A student should have the knowledge and skills necessary to participate effectively as an informed and responsible citizen.” (lesson plan13)

Skills for a Healthy Life:

Standard A “A student should be able to acquire a core knowledge related to well-being;” (lesson plans 1, 10, 12)
Standard B “A student should be able to demonstrate responsibility for the student’s well-being;” (lesson plans 1-7, 10, 12)
Standard C “A student should understand how well-being is affected by relationships with others;” (lesson plans 1-7, 9-10, 12)
Standard D “A student should be able to contribute to the well-being of families and communities.” Lesson plans 2-7, 10, 12)

The alternate assessment performance standards adopted by the Alaska State School Board are also referenced in individual lesson plans. The alternate assessment performance standards addressed in the kit are:

English/Language Arts:

Use functional written communication
Use verbal and non-verbal communication to convey information, needs, and wants

Skills For A Healthy Life:

Manage personal needs
Make choices and advocate for self and others
Act safely and responsibly
Engage in recreational and leisure activities
Maintain positive interpersonal relationships
Contribute meaningfully at home and in the classroom
Contribute meaningfully in the community

Alaska Content Standards | Table of Contents | Why We Should Teach Self-Determination