You are encouraged to attend the defence. The details of the defence and attendance information is included below:  

Date: April 9, 2025
Time: 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM (PT)

Defence mode: Remote 
Virtual Attendance: via Zoom 

LINK TO JOIN: Please contact the Office of Graduate Administration for information regarding remote attendance for online defences. 

To ensure the defence proceeds with no interruptions, please mute your audio and video on entry and do not inadvertently share your screen. The meeting will be locked to entry 5 minutes after it begins: please ensure you are on time.  

Thesis entitled: STUDENT-LED IEP IMPLEMENTATION: A SELF-STUDY

Abstract: An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is a document detailing a student’s designation, expected learning outcomes, support services required to achieve learning outcomes, and adaptations in materials, instruction, or assessment to support their learning. Student-led IEPs put the emphasis of responsibility and ownership in the hands of the student in the development of their IEP. This self-study research investigated a change in my practice as I implemented and observed student-led IEPs. Data was collected through a reflexive journal and field notes, then analyzed using Reflexive Thematic Analysis. The research found that student-led IEPs provided the opportunity for framing IEP development as a formative process focused on student learning. The researcher experienced growth as a Learning Services Teacher (LST) through facilitation of student leadership in the IEP process, including developing strategies and resources to support student engagement. Implementing student-led IEPs also significantly impacted the use of time as a resource. Discussion considered that student-led IEPs may be a catalyst for change by shifting how educators think about and engage with the development of IEPs from the perspective of empowering and supporting students in the process. This research may offer insights to educators considering implementing student-led IEPs in their contexts.

Defence Committee:  
Chair: Dr. Andrea Gingerich 
Supervisor: Dr. Hartley Banack
Committee Member: Dr. Gretchen Vogelsang
Committee Member: Dr. Kel McDowell
External Examiner: Dr. John McNaught