The AAC and AT Profile of Indiana Assessment System of Educational Proficiencies

Melanie A. Davis, Ph.D., Purdue University
Lyle L. Lloyd, Ph.D., Purdue University
Helen H. Arvidson, M.Ed., Purdue University
Deborah E. Bennett, Ph.D., Purdue University

Abstract

Changes in special education policy have required changes in assessment practices. With the most recent re-authorization of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (Public Law 105-17, 1997), assessment issues have become increasingly important, as all students are required to be included in state accountability systems. The inclusion of students with more significant disabilities into statewide accountability systems dictates the need for effective tools for monitoring progress and growth in order to report assessment results on all students. When considering students with the most significant special education disabilities, the process of augmentative and alternative communication, along with assistive technology devices, becomes critical in documenting and monitoring educational outcomes. This paper takes a look at data obtained from the pilot implementation of Indiana's alternate assessment system. Descriptive statistics from the AAC and AT profile are reported and future directions for this component of the system are discussed.

Key Words: Assessment, Augmentative and Alternative Communication, Assistive Communication Devices, Alternate Assessment, Descriptive Statistics

I. Introduction

IASEP Development

II. Method

Participants
Instrumentation
The AAC and AT Profile

No-Tech AAC.
Low-Tech AAC.
High-Tech AAC.
Positioning AT.
Mobility AT.
Hearing AT.
Vision AT.
Environmental AT.

General Definitions for the AAC and AT Profile
General Questions included in the AAC and AT Profile

III. Results

Description of Student Profile
AAC and AT Frequencies

IV. Discussion

Limitations
Future Directions
Summary

V. References

Please address all correspondence concerning this article to:

Melanie A. Davis, Ph.D.
Purdue University
Department of Educational Studies
West Lafayette, IN 47907
e-mail: meldavis@purdue.edu