Independence Is Not the Same as Being Left Alone

Independence is a goal. Abandonment is not.

Teams sometimes use the language of independence when what is actually happening is that support is being removed faster than the student is ready for. Real independence is built through planning, practice, appropriate support, and careful fading.

If support is reduced, the team should be able to explain what skill has improved, what data or observation supports the change, and how the student will stay safe and successful.