Using the Decision Tree for Summary Ratings Discussions

Decision tree: Advantage: tool to help IFSP teams make determinations about each child’s status using the tool accurately allows for high degree of consistency across IFSP teams The decision tree is one tool that can help IFSP teams make determinations of each child’s status and progress. If professionals use the tree accurately, then the teams can ensure a high degree of consistency in their ratings.

Let’s look at the questions on the decision tree Let’s look at the questions on the decision tree. What’s at the heart of these questions?

At the Heart of the Decision Tree… Child functioning Across settings and situations Extent of functioning Concerns about functioning

Using the Decision Tree As a team, start with the question at the top of the decision tree: “Does the child ever function in ways that would be considered age-expected with regard to this outcome?” If yes, move to the right If no, move to the left

Using the Decision Tree Move down to the next question and discuss as a team Follow the prompts accordingly until reaching a rating If no, move to the left If yes, move to the right Repeat this process for each outcome Facilitator may want to go through this process fully with the group.

Guidelines to Consider… Discuss each question on the tool as a team Use descriptive terms, not numbers in the discussion Use the decision tree for each of the three outcomes Requires understanding of foundational, immediate foundational and age-expected terms Professionals will need to guide families in understand these terms

The Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois Thank you for supporting the children and families of Illinois! Let’s Keep in Touch! Visit our Website eitp.education.illinois.edu Follow us on Twitter @EITPIllinois The Early Intervention Training Program at the University of Illinois The Children’s Research Center Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/EITPIllinois 51 Gerty Drive, Room 105 Champaign, IL 61820