Lesson 2: Determining Your Strengths and Weaknesses

Match the following

• Self-Awareness

• A statement of the student's current level of functioning, including their academic and transition-related strengths and weaknesses

• Present Levels of Performance

• Knowing and understanding your feelings, thoughts, and desires

• Individualized Education Program (IEP)

• A plan developed by a team of people to help individuals with disabilities meet goals beyond their current ability

Match the following

• Self-Advocate

• The section of the IEP outlining transition goals and services for the student

• Accommodations

• The action of representing one’s own views and interests or making others aware of your needs

• Present Levels of Performance

• Adjustments to help you be successful

The phrase “sell yourself” is used in the employment process to mean…

• to sell all the strengths and work experiences you possess to a potential employer to show them that you are the best person for the position.

• 1. to sell all your unused possessions to make money and develop sales skills to add to your resumé. 

• 1. to sell your time to work for a business and receive a paycheck.

Which of the following is an example of self-advocating?

• 1. You know you get to go to a different classroom to take any tests you have in your English class, so instead of starting your test right away when it is handed to you, you wait for the teacher to tell you when to leave.

• 1. You have a hard time talking to people, so you request that your friend go to the fast-food counter and order your meal for you. 

• 1. School starts in a week, and you want to make sure your new teacher is aware of the accommodations on your IEP, so you send her a quick email to introduce yourself and ask her whether she has received your paperwork.

Which section of your IEP will help you better understand your academic and functional strengths and needs?

• The Accommodations & Modifications Page

• 1. The Basic Information Page

• 1. The Present Levels of Performance Page

Which of the following is NOT a way to turn a weakness into a strength?

• 1. Develop goals and objectives for improving weaknesses and take steps to evaluate how well you are reaching your goals along the way.

• Understand that you’re just not going to be good at that area of your life, so avoid doing things that would make you have to use that skill.

• 1. Practice advocating for yourself by letting others know when you may need help doing something or learning to do a skill on your own.