I Can Identify Saturn but I Can't Brush My Teeth: What
Happens When the Curricular Focus for Students with Severe
Disabilities Shifts
Kevin M. Ayres
The University of Georgia
Karen H. Douglas
The University of Georgia
K. Alisa Lowrey
Louisiana State University Health Science
Center
Courtney Sievers
Gwinnet County Public Schools
Abstract: Determining the most effective curricula for students with severe disabilities requires increased
attention as legislation and curricular changes are being made in the field of special education. This article a)
reviews the legislation mandates from the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act
(IDELA) and the 2001 No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB), b) discusses evidence-based practices for a
standards-based curriculum and functional curriculum, and c) examines longitudinal outcomes for students
with severe disabilities. The research suggests that students working on functional skills provided through a
meanin& l curriculum leads to a more independent life. Recommendations for future research and discussion
are also presented.