Different Types of Assessment

• Different Types of Assessment

  
  

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    In this topic we will explore some very useful AAC assessment frameworks such as:
    

    • Those that help AAC specialists to prepare and deliver assessments
    • The Participation Model approach to assessments
    • The Communication Matrix website
    • The SETT Framework, a framework that we shall focus on in more detail
    • Implmentation within the classroom. 

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    How frameworks help assessment

    There exists a very wide range of communication aids, language layouts, symbol representations, access methods and form factors (the actual shape and style of electronic devices and paper-based resources). Therefore it can become a bit bewildering when setting out to find the best fit for an individual child. 

    Following an assessment framework allows teams to work together in a systematic way in order to find the best solution for every child. Assessment frameworks also help by providing access to resources such as forms that guide thinking, activities to try during assessment and ways of measuring success and progression.  
    

    You can follow the links to view and try the Communication Matters Matrix and the Participation Model and compare them to the SETT Framework which will be discussed in great detail.   Different frameworks may be needed in a range of settings. 
    

    • Communication Matters Matrix
    • Participation Model
    • SETT Framework

    
    

    
    

    A free website tool that can be used by profressionals and family members. It takes you through a series of questions that creates a chart that indicates a child’s current communication skills and challenges. It can also be used to monitor progress the child makes

    This framework was initially developed by David Beukleman and Pat Mirenda in 1988 and was endorsed by the American Speech and Hearing Association (ASHA) in 2004. It provides a strong, systematic approach to AAC assessments and intervention.

    The participation model is seen through a flow diagram that includes the following steps:

    Assessing opportunity barriers

    E.g. policy, attitude, skills of team who support the child

    Assessing access barriers

    E.g. current communication, potential to use AAC, potential to improve speech

    Plan and implement interventions for today and tomorrow

    E.g. providing training to the child and to the team

    Evaluate effectiveness

    Is the person participating in their life using their AAC?

    "SETT is an acronym for Student, Environments, Tasks and Tools. The SETT Framework is based on the premise that in order to develop an appropriate system of Tools (supports –devices, services, strategies, accommodations, modifications, etc.) teams must first develop a shared understanding of the student, the customary environments in which the student spends time, and the tasks that are required for the student to be able to do or learn to do to be an active participant in the teaching/learning processes that lead to educational success."  Joy Smiley Zabala, Ed. D., ATP 

    
    

    
    

    
    

    "The goal of the SETT Framework is to help collaborative teams create Student-centered, (Self) Environmentally-useful, and Tasks-focused Tool systems that foster participation and achievement."

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    Activity - Planning for AAC

    
    In order to understand why there are so many different types of assessment needed have a look at these resourcces as they will help you  "Plan for AAC throughout the Day"

    • Do's and Don'ts article on access to AAC in a day.

    
    

    • From PrAACtical AAC: Tools for AAC planning.
    • The video from Project Core discusses the type of vocabulary that can be used to begin to think about working with symbols throughout the day.  
    • You may want to translate the English resources available as downloads or try the Project Core Universal Core Selection Tool (a decision tree assessment) to see how many symbols may suit a child learning to use the core vocabulary: 

    
    

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     Project Core Universal Core Selection Tool

    If you did not explore the Universal Core Selection Tool here are the decisions the Project Core team ask you to make before designing a symbol chart of core words.  Start to think about all the other questions you might want to ask yourself as you build a symbol chart for a child.  Add them to your reflective journal on the different types of assessments needed when considering AAC and be prepared to question further when you learn more about the SETT Framework in the next topic. 

    
    

    
    

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    Summary 

    • Many factors need to be made when recommending an AAC solution for a child - not just the level of speech and language. 
    • There are several frameworks available, some are free and offer resources to help you on the AAC journey - you may need a mix. 
    • SETT is a popular approach used by AAC services involving the use of technology in readiness for school and beyond.
  • Further Reading 

    • McNaughton, D., Rackensperger, T., Benedek-Wood, E., Krezman, C., Williams, M. B., & Light, J. (2008). “A child needs to be given a chance to succeed”: Parents of individuals who use AAC describe the benefits and challenges of learning AAC technologies. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 24(1), 43–55. doi:10.1080/07434610701421007
      
      
    • Branson, D., & Demchak, M. (2009). The use of augmentative and alternative communication methods with infants and toddlers with disabilities: A research review. Augmentative and Alternative Communication, 25(4), 274–286. DOI: 10.3109/07434610903384529
      http://informahealthcare.com/doi/abs/10.3109/07434610903384529
      

    
    

  • Reflective Journal 

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    Journal

    Reflective Journal for Different types of assessments

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  • Presentation slides

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    URL

    Understanding Needs and Assessment Frameworks URL