Nettie’s Nickel 4 Comprehensive AT Report Writing 2 Support a District’s Offer of FAPE

Nettie Fischer, ATPJuly 22, 2014

Your Report TemplateIf possible, use Microsoft word option that support locked text boxes and check boxes

Cover page – Include as relevant Pertinent referral information Current support services Description of AT services relative to the

Educational Setting

Page 1 example of NettieT, ATP Consultants Add footnote to support fluency and assessment

identification

Feel free to use and/or modify sample description of AT services

Layout Report template to correspond with your AT questionnaire forms and your assessment process

Maximizes writing efficiency Maximizes effectiveness of report

Summarize the focus of concern/area of need noted Information provided in assessment plan, consult and pre-

evaluation questionnaires/forms.

Note interventions explored and/or currently in place Information provided in assessment plan, consult and pre-

evaluation questionnaires/forms.

Your Report Template, cont.

Your Report Template, cont.

List sources of information that will be incorporated in the assessment process, Example:

The assessment process was completed at ______ School by ____Name, Title.

The assessment process consisted of the following: list all reviewed files, consultations, observations, etc.

All sources of information that will be referenced in your report

Assessment equipment and manipulatives List all tools used in the assessment process Note support persons that were available and their

capacity

Your Report Template, cont.

Social and Education Background/History Student background with reference to personal information,

including but not limited to home setting, health issues, etc. Education background information and current setting

Remember, the source of information is included in your list of reviewed paperwork, consultations and/or observations.

Observational Data Note location, environment and activity Note student participation Comment – this is your interpretation of observed activities

Consultation/s Note person. title and information. Consider a bulleted format

to increase clarity and relativity to the assessment process

Your Report Template, cont.

Motor Abilities Included if relevant to the area/s of need

Gross and fine motor skills

Sensory: Vision – information gained from reviewed paperwork

and relative to viability of the assessment process Hearing – information gained from reviewed paperwork

and relative to viability of the assessment process

Cognitive/Linguistic Abilities: Relative to viability of assessment process with

consideration to understanding tasks and responding both verbally and interactively

Assessment DATAThe effectiveness of the assessment process is supported by the data collected during the assessment to address the targeted areas of need. Recommendation: As functional, include copies of student’s samples compiled

during the assessment process and relative to each area of need Provide calculations as appropriate, e.g., Calculated Words Per

Minute Provide data as available of standardized and/or non-

standardized norms Assess and include data and norms of demonstrated skills

relative to current format and the potential AT option – Handwriting vs. Keyboarding – Data based comparison

Assessment DATA, cont.

Presenting data with a visual supports an understanding of the noted skills.Copy paste student assessment

samples DATA is important

Assessment DATA, cont.

Complete assessment sessions: Areas noted in the assessment plan and pre-

evaluation questionnaires

Current IEP Goals – Task not included in referral paperwork but AT options could support “Goal Met” Check with Case Manger and/or classroom

teacher Include your rationale in the Summary

Validity of Assessment, (sample)

Summary Opening paragraph

Brief review of student, age, grade, IEP noted disability Services currently in place to support the Educational setting

Summary, cont.

Session Reviews and findings Narrative of each session with calculated data and reference

to standardized and/or non-standardized norms if applicable

Sequence of Reported information: Assessment sessions completed and reported in the same sequence support fluency and efficiency in completing the written report

Visuals with reference pages noted in the summary area, support understanding and rationale of narrative Example:

Handwriting [Page 5] Data and narrative relative to assistive technology.

Keyboarding [Page 6] Date and narrative relative to assistive technology

Summary, cont.

Handwriting Important and relative information regarding the

importance and value of handwriting resulting in the inclusion of the following language in my reports. Indicated source included as footnote

Recommendations

Opening Paragraph: Reference all sources of the gathered information: data, consultations, observations, review of files, IEP’s etc.

Include language similar to: “to support student’s access to the curriculum and the School District’s offer of FAPE in the area of Assistive Technology . .” [sample language]

Recommendations Include the following:

IEP Team meet to review findings, Review recommended AT options If required, AT Services be

added to student’s IEP with service model and delivery style List recommendations and if applicable note characteristics If applicable, include an implementation plan to support the

future use of a potential AT options Include comment that notes the need for the student to “buy-

in” to the suggested AT options If your professional level of expertise support the need,

include a 3 week trial period of recommended options to determine viability in the classroom setting

Include introductory training time to support the recommended AT options

Sample Implementation PlanBased on the Assessment findings and related to the area/s of need. This has proven to be beneficial when the findings indicate skill development to attain functional use of a target AT option.

Please note: Sample Only

Sample Loaner Agreement & User Survey The sample loaner agreement is designed to minimize loss of

equipment Establish a trial timeline Support follow-up in a timely fashion

Loaner Agreement Trial use Survey

IMPORTANT: Training is NECESSARY to determine the viability of the trial equipment

Recommendations, cont. When recommending the procurement of Assistive

Technology products, you must provide a “Suggested goal” and objective. The calculated data is the goal identified baseline. Recommendations: if functional attach to existing goal Associate the goal to academics and documentation by

appropriate service provider –e.g., handwriting – classroom teacher

When recommending products: Experience demonstrates the need to: Include image of item Include vendor, purchasing information

Dollar factors important for purchase but not relative to general report; provide 2 copies of report, Copy 1- District - with costs noted, Copy 2- General - no costs

A couple of “Free Websites” to support AT Reading Comprehension

Rewordify.com

Textcompactor.com

Recommendations, cont. Include a table to cover all District needs:

Writing Process Tips, The Wrap-up Do not add information that is not documented in the report- Review Assessment Plan confirm all areas were assessed Include visuals if applicable of student’s work Include Data Include suggested GOALS Include list with purchasing information (prices for District) GOALS If applicable, include implementation plan to address use of potential AT

options

You are ready to present and support your report to the IEP Team

Nettie’s Nickel