THE PROPEL PROJECT
A classroom based intervention for high school students with Autism. Click to find out more!
The Propel Project is a 5 year study that serves to examine the initial efficacy of a comprehensive intervention combining two research-based interventions, the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI) and Peer Supports (PS), on academic, social, and functional outcomes for secondary students with an autism diagnosis in inclusive general education classrooms.
What will students learn?
Students in your school will participate in interventions that work to promote goal setting, problem-solving, self regulation, self-direction, cooperation, and social skills. They will then learn to apply these skills to social, academic and functional goals.
Is my school eligible to participate?
Schools that support secondary students with an Autism diagnosis in inclusive core content instruction are eligible to join.
Why participate?
Students
All participants with autism
receive intervention to support engagement in general education settings and compensation.
All participating peers receive the benefits of interacting with neurodiverse classmates.
Teachers
All participating teachers receive professional development, coaching, materials, ongoing support, and compensation.
Project activities are always embedded in teacher's regular schoolday.
Classrooms
In the combined condition, all students in the class receive support in goal setting.
Classrooms are inclusive learning environments for all students.
All participating students will receive either the Self-Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI), Peer Supports (PS), or a combination of the two interventions.
Self Determined Learning Model of Instruction (SDLMI)
An individualized intervention designed to enable students to engage in goal setting and attainment through a guided, iterative process
Implemented in special education classrooms
Peer Supports (PS)
A social skills intervention in which peers learn to provide academic and social supports to students with ASD
Implemented in general education inclusive classrooms
SDLMI + PS
An experimental combination of SDLMI and PS, incorporating both goal setting and attainment, as well as social skills supports
Implemented in special education & general education inclusive classrooms
New cohorts of students will receive the intervention for a year, and previous cohorts will be followed along to study long term effects.
Let's hear from past participants!
Interested in participating in the Propel Project? Please let us know!
Email us at propel@ku.edu
Click here to download a copy of the Propel Project flyer