Seven narrative and systematic reviews published since 2000 and focusing on self-determination for individuals with disabilities are reviewed in this narrative metasynthesis. The authors distinguish their work from other metasynthesis work by calling it a narrative metasynthesis because they include both narrative reviews and meta-analyses in this metasynthesis. These seven reviews focused on different disability groups, different intervention curricular and instructional techniques, and different outcomes. Findings were relatively consistent with multicomponent self-determination interventions demonstrating greater positive effects than single-component interventions and self-determination and academic productivity outcomes showing greater positive effects than academic quality outcomes. Theoretical, empirical, and methodological findings and implications are discussed.
References marked with an asterisk indicate reviews or meta-analyses included in the metasynthesis.
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*Algozzine, B., Browder, D., Karvonen, M., Test, D.W., & Wood, W.M. (2001). Effects of interventions to promote self-determination for individuals with disabilities. Review of Educational Research , 71(2), 219-277.
3.
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*Bae, S.J. (2007). Self-determination and academic achievement of individuals with disabilities in postsecondary education: A meta-analysis. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Kansas , Lawrence.
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Bremer, C.D., Kachgal, M., & Schoeller, K. (2003). Self-determination: Supporting successful transition . Research to Practice Brief, 2(1), 1-8.
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*Chambers, C.R., Wehmeyer, M.L., Saito, Y., Lida, K.M., Lee, Y., & Singh, V. (2007). Self-determination: What do we know? Where do we go?Exceptionality, 15(1), 3-15.
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Eysenck, H.J. (1995). Meta-analysis squared-Does it make sense? American Psychologist, 50, 110-111.
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Field, S. (2003). Self-determination: Assuming control of your plans for postsecondary education. Washington, DC: George Washington University, Heath Resource Center.
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Forness, S.R. (2001). Special education and related services: What have we learned from meta-analysis? Exceptionality, 9(4), 185-197.
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Forness, S.R., Kavale, K.A., Blum, I.M., & Lloyd, J.W. (1997). Mega-analysis of meta-analyses: What works in special education and related services. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 29(6), 4-9.
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*Fowler, C.H., Konrad, M., Walker, A.R., Test, D.W., & Wood, W.M. (2007). Self-determination interventions' effects on the academic performance of students with developmental disabilities. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 42(3), 270-285.
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Gresham, F.M., Van, M.B., & Cook, C.R. (2006). Social skills training for teaching replacement behaviors: Remediating acquisition deficits in at-risk students. Behavioral Disorders, 31(4), 363-377.
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Hattie, J. (1992). Measuring school effects. Australian Journal of Education, 36(1), 5-13.
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*Konrad, M., Fowler, C.H., Walker, A.R., Test, D.W., & Wood, W.M. (2007). Effects of self-determination interventions on the academic skills of students with learning disabilities. Learning Disability Quarterly, 30, 89-113.
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*Malian, I., & Nevin, A. (2002). A review of self-determination literature : Implications for practitioners. Remedial and Special Education, 23(2), 68-74.
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Moher, D., Cook, D.J., Eastwood, S., Olkin, I., Rennie, D., & Stroup, D.F. (1999). Improving the quality of reports of meta-analyses of randomised controlled trials: The QUORUM statement. Lancet , 354, 1896-1900.
17.
Mostert, M.P. (1996). Reporting meta-analyses in learning disabilities . Learning Disabilities Research & Practice, 11(1), 2-14.
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Mostert, M.P. (2003). Meta-analyses in mental retardation. Education and Training in Developmental Disabilities, 38(2), 229-249.
19.
Scruggs, T.E., & Mastropieri, M.A. (2001). How to summarize single-participant research: Ideas and applications. Exceptionality, 9, 227-244.
20.
Sipe, T.A., & Curlette, W.L. (1997). A meta-synthesis of factors related to educational achievement: A methodological approach to summarizing and synthesizing meta-analyses. International Journal of Educational Research, 25(7), 583-698.
21.
Test, D.W., Fowler, C.H., Wood, W.M., Brewer, D.M., & Eddy, S. (2005). A conceptual framework of self-advocacy for students with disabilities. Remedial and Special Education, 26(1), 43-54.
22.
Torgerson, C.J. (2007). The quality of systematic reviews of effectiveness in literacy learning in English: A "tertiary" review. Journal of Research in Reading, 30(3), 287-315.
23.
Ward, M.J., & Meyer, R.N. (1999). Self-determination for people with developmental disabilities and autism: Two self-advocates' perspectives. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 14(3), 133-139.
24.
Wehmeyer, M. (2002). Self-determination and the education of students with disabilities (ERIC Digest ED470036). Reston, VA: Clearinghouse on Disabilities and Gifted Education.
25.
Wehmeyer, M., Bersani, H., & Gagne, R. (2000). Riding the third wave: Self-determination and self-advocacy in the 21st century. Focus on Autism and Other Developmental Disabilities, 15(2), 106-115.
26.
Wehmeyer, M.L., Field, S., Doren, B., Jones, B., & Mason, C. (2004). Self-determination and student involvement in standards-based reform. Exceptional Children, 70(4), 413-425.
27.
Wehmeyer, M.L., Sands, D.J., Doll, B., & Palmer, S. (1997). The development of self-determination and implications for educational interventions with students with disabilities. International Journal of Disability, Development, and Education, 44(4), 305-328.
28.
*Wood, W.M., Fowler, C.H., Uphold, N., & Test, D.W. (2005). A review of self-determination interventions with individuals with severe disabilities. Research & Practice for Persons with Severe Disabilities, 30(3), 121-146.
29.
Wood, W.M., Karvonen, M., Test, D.W., Browder, D., & Algozzine, B. (2004). Promoting student self-determination skills in IEP planning. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 36(3), 8-16.
