1. 1 A CONTINUUM OF EVALUATION SERVICES Marnee Loftin, MA School Psychologist, TSBVI loftinm@tsbvi.eduloftinm@tsbvi.edu or loftinmp@att.net

2. 2 GOALS Participants will: 1.Identify commonly-used methods of supporting evaluation of students with VI by schools for the blind 2.Identify problems with current models 3.Identify different models that might be used to function more efficiently

3. 3 SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND HAVE A CRUCIAL ROLE IN SUPPORTING EVALUATION OF STUDENTS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENT THROUGHOUT A STATE

4. 4 EXPERTISE IS LIMITED IN PUBLIC SCHOOL SETTINGS REGARDING LOW INCIDENCE POPULATIONS

5. 5 SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND UNDERSTAND THIS NEED AND SUPPORT IT IN SOME MANNER THROUGHOUT THE NATION

6. 6 COMMON TYPES OF SUPPORT Providing support through in-service training programs Providing direct evaluation services for students with visual impairment

7. 7 INSERVICE MODEL OF SERVICE DELIVERY Focus is upon training local staff Training occurs through phone consultations as well as workshops Provides training to an estimated 250 people per year in Texas

8. 8 PROBLEMS WITH THIS INSERVICE MODEL Theoretical information without opportunities for clinical practice Fragmented information Limited opportunities for follow-up Minimal impact upon the IEP for an individual student

9. 9 EVALUATION MODEL OF SERVICE DELIVERY Focus is upon evaluation of individual student Training occurs either at the school for blind or local school Comprehensive information is provided for a small number of students

10. 10 PROBLEMS WITH THIS EVALUATION MODEL Limited staff and large numbers make output minimal Local staff receive little training Limited opportunities for follow-up Difficulty with prioritizing evaluations

11. 11 MANY OF THE SCHOOLS FOR THE BLIND ARE APPLYING A NEW MODEL OF CONTINUUM OF SERVICES TO INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAMS

12. 12 A CONTINUUM OF EVALUATION SERVICES OFFERS MANY POSSIBILITIES

13. 13 A CONTINUUM OF EVALUATION SERVICES WOULD: Offer increased opportunities to train local personnel Increase access to appropriate evaluations for students with visual impairments Decrease waiting times for evaluations Prioritize access to evaluations by specialists in visual impairment

14. 14 CONTINUUM OF EVALUATION SERVICES General training in evaluation Specialized training in determination of additional eligibilities General consultation about specific selection of evaluation instruments Consultation about specific student and recommendation for instruments to be administered

15. 15 (Continued) Consultation with local staff about planning, administering and interpreting evaluations Direct evaluation of students attending school for the blind on a short-term basis Direct evaluation of student in their local school with participation of local staff

16. 16 MANY DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACTIVITIES CAN SUPPORT THIS CONTINUUM OF EVALUATION SERVICES

17. 17 TEXAS SCHOOL FOR THE BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED HAS CONTINUED TO DEVELOP AND SUPPORT A NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES IN THESE AREAS

18. 18 GENERAL TRAINING IN BEST PRACTICES Present workshops throughout the state designed to improve evaluation of the approximately 8,000 students with visual impairment in Texas Develop videotapes by different disciplines that focus on techniques used for evaluation of students

19. 19 GENERAL CONSULTATION (CONTINUED) Consult by telephone about a variety of evaluation issues Publish materials to assist with evaluation issues and specific questions Compile best practice guidelines for use on website

20. 20 SPECIALIZED TRAINING IN ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITIES Provide three-day workshops in determining additional eligibilities Consult with adult service agencies regarding differential diagnosis Develop series of videotapes with case studies focusing upon diagnosis of additional eligibilities

21. 21 ADDITIONAL ELIGIBILITIES (CONTINUED) Maintain series of FAQs on the TSBVI regarding determination of additional eligibilities Present sessions at professional conferences regarding evaluation of students with VI

22. 22 GENERAL CONSULTATION ABOUT INSTRUMENT SELECTION Provide ongoing consultation via website regarding appropriate instruments to answer specific questions Develop procedure for monthly telephone consultation at scheduled time regarding particular issues

23. 23 GENERAL CONSULTATION ABOUT SPECIFIC STUDENTS Consult regarding implications of etiology, specific test selection, and interpretation of data regarding specific student summaries and protocols Develop system for prioritizing access to this service by school districts throughout the state

24. 24 GENERAL CONSULTATION ABOUT SPECIFIC STUDENTS (CONTINUED) Develop videoconferencing system to be used for recommending appropriate instruments and techniques as well as developing the IEP Provide statewide training about service available

25. 25 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE IN DEVELOPING SKILLS OF LOCAL MDT Review student summaries compiled by local districts with goal of consulting with local MDT Review videotapes of testing as well as behavioral observations In conjunction with the local MDT, develop plan for evaluation

26. 26 TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE (CONTINUED) In conjunction with the local MDT, assist in interpretation of data and development of appropriate IEP Maintain redacted archive of training sessions on the website Maintain list of trained staff in each region who are willing to assist with additional evaluations for other school districts

27. 27 DIRECT EVALUATION OF STUDENTS IN SHORT- TERM PROGRAMS Develop process for prioritizing access to this service Develop procedure for gathering information from local school and family Develop timelines for completing evaluation that will minimize loss of time in short-term programs

28. 28 DIRECT EVALUATION IN SHORT-TERM PROGRAMS Provide opportunities for local MDT to participate in evaluation Develop means of using evaluation as a source of training for other districts, possibly through videotaping, FAQs, etc.

29. 29 DIRECT EVALUATION OF STUDENTS IN LOCAL DISTRICT Develop procedure for prioritizing access to this service Develop procedure for Outreach to gather specific data prior to evaluation Develop procedure for Outreach and local MDT to participate in the evaluation

30. 30 EVALUATION AT LOCAL DISTRICT (CONTINUED) Complete evaluation and summary conference at local school Develop procedure for using evaluation as a source of training materials for other schools