Interests and Preferences: T 20

T20. Does the IEP include the student’s preferences or interests?  (Preferences or interests are stated by the student.  Interests:  things that evoke curiosity.  Preferences:  things chosen over others.

Example:

In a personal interview with Fred, he states his strengths are art, dodge ball, science, and health.  He states that his interests are participating in physical activity, computers, internet, and animals (specifically cats).  He states that he prefers to be outdoors and active.

In an interview with Sam, he states and has shown that his interests include playing video games, sports, and snowmobiling.  He feels that he has strengths in US History and Science.  Sam and his family state that he prefers to work by himself in a noisy setting with a lot going on.

Annie states that she is respectful, persistent and a hard worker when she decides to be.  Interests:  Annie says she likes to listen to country western music, baby sit and learn about children.
Preferences:  Annie says she likes to attend classes that peak her interest and she likes to engage in all types of learning styles.
Strengths:  Annie feels and has shown a strength is to advocate for herself and ask for help if she needs it.

Johnny states:
Strengths: building things and auto mechanics
Preferences: hands on activities; small group instruction; one on one assistance when faced with difficult concepts.
Interests: skateboarding, BMX, and cars.

Megan is a non-verbal student who through observation and parent conversations has expressed:
Strengths:   Persistence with activities she enjoys, ability to assist others with her self-help skills such as eating, drinking, and dressing, and the warmth she shows to peers and others.
Interests:  likes to be around people both peers and adults, likes swimming, and likes music.
Preferences:  Megan demonstrates her preference and willingness by participating in the hand over hand activity of using the electric stapler.  She demonstrates her dislike for shredding by looking away when it is her turn to participate in this activity and refusing adult prompts.