Tools for ALL Learners

Overview

To make effective instructional decisions, including decisions about the selection of assistive technologies, we need to make good use of data and resources.  A structured problem solving process can save valuable instructional and planning time, as well as resources.

Selected Reading

Title: The WATI Assessment Forms

Citation: Wisconsin Assistive Technology Initiative (2004)

URL: http://www.wati.org/products/pdf/assessment_forms_only.pdf

Use Information: “WATI documents may be reproduced for non-commercial purposes provided their source is identified.”

Key Ideas

• Key to decision making is clearly and accurately defining the problem

• The problem must be defined in a way that is measurable and observable.

• Good data collection facilitates good problem solving

• Interventions should be selected based on the problem and student need (put the need before the product or process)

• Progress needs to be monitored and decisions revisited

• A timeline should be set for evaluating the success of the intervention

Extension and Reflection

Carefully examine the following sections of the WATI Assessment Forms:

• Pg. 3-4  Directions / Procedure Guide

• Pg. 30   Environmental Observation Summary

• Pg. 31   AT Decision Making Guide

Now, scan pg. 1 & 2 with a particular student in mind. Which of the tasks in the left-hand column are challenging for this student? Find the related section(s) in the WATI Student Information Guide (pp. 7-26). Would it be useful to collect this information about the student?

Now, scan the AT Assessment Technology Checklist (p. 32-33) for possible solutions to try. You’ve just completed an abbreviated version of WATI’s AT assessment process!

Additional Resources

• Go to www.schwablearning.org – “a parent’s guide to helping kids with learning difficulties”. Click on “Resources” and then on “Technology to Help Kids”. Click on the title “Matching Assistive Technology Tools to Individual Needs”.

• Briefly scan the article and also click on the link to see the worksheet form “Matching AT Tools to Your Child’s Needs”. Do you prefer this process or the WATI model? Why?