Capturing what matters most: Engaging students and their families in educational planning

Abstract

Many authors in the self-determination literature purport that students must be given every opportunity to be part of decision-making that impacts on their lives. Students with high support needs are often not afforded this opportunity. This article describes a student-centred educational planning strategy called the 3EPlan. The 3 E's of the process relate to the fundamental elements of student-centred planning, namely, engage, envisage, and encourage. The Circle of Courage (Brendtro, Brokenleg, & Van Bockern, 2002) philosophy together with the strategy of graphic facilitation (Sibbet, 1977) provided the framework for the 3EPlan process. The 3EPlan promoted culturally appropriate engagement and inclusion of all participants. Students identified and expressed personal dreams and were actively involved in developing goals that reflected their choices.