Fifth grade students with learning disabilities receive a ten-week unit on learning styles and the special education process as part of their transition to the middle school. Developed by a learning center teacher and guidance counselor, the program is derived from the literature on self-determination and from the work of Mel Levine. The curriculum includes lessons about special education, specific disabilities and learning styles, coping strategies, and advocacy. These lessons highlight learning strengths, and seek to reframe any negative presumptions students have about their educational program. Student review their academic file to learn more about their learning profile. At the end of the unit, students know more about why they receive special education services, feel positive about their learning strengths, and are empowered to take on new challenges as they move to the middle school. (Contains 4 figures.)