The IDEAS Maker Program: Development, Results, and Future Directions Within an Inclusive Public Education Setting

• In Event: Inclusive Education in Practice

Abstract

We present the findings from a three-year research project in which the IDEAS Maker Program was adapted, tested, iterated, and finalized for use within an inclusion special education setting specifically designed for autistic middle school students to learn alongside neurotypical peers. We found IDEAS to be effective in helping all students explore and deepen their interests in STEM and other topics. Post-test results showed that Maker participants exhibited increases in science and engineering self-efficacy, career interest, vicarious experience, science appreciation, and knowledge of the engineering design process. We also present future directions to expand our maker program to elementary school students and involve autistic high school makers in a participatory redesign of the curriculum for older students.

Authors

• Ariana Riccio, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Wendy B. Martin, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Jaime Gutierrez, Education Development Center, Inc.

• Jennifer Yu, SRI International

• Xin Wei, SRI International

• Kristie Patten Koenig, New York University