Types of Assessment Services
- Identification of Questions To Be Answered During
Testing:
- Each referring individual will present a unique set of
referral questions for his/her evaluees. Based on these referral questions the
evaluation plan will address what assessment instruments would best answer the
referral sources needs.
- Length Of Evaluations:
- Based upon the information needed by the referral
source, the evaluee will be tested in a one-day, three-day, thirty-hour, or a
sixty-hour vocational evaluation. Persons who require only a minimal assessment
will be accomplished in the one-day vocational assessment.
- What the Three (3) Day vocational Assessment
includes:
- Interview, vocational history, academic testing
(reading, spelling, math), interest test, nonverbal reasoning test, motor
skills assessment, a transferable skills analysis, endurance for an eight-hour
day, and assessment of interview abilities. Aptitude testing in a variety of
interest areas. VIP's complete work sample system is utilized to gather
information about the students ability to work. Aptitude testing in appropriate
areas; (I.E. mechanical and clerical). Vocational areas are suggested for
training or on the job placement. Behavioral observations are made regarding
attitudes, motivation, and worker characteristics. Specific jobs are
recommended along with recommendations to eliminate barriers to same. A
comprehensive staffing is included at the school in either the I.E.P. or with
the student and referring staff members.
- Use of Adaptive Equipment during Evaluation:
- Because of the unique nature of each individual, the
vocational evaluation will use various adaptive equipment as well as
modifications to standardized testing to best serve each evaluee. Physical as
well as mental limitations will be compensated for in the testing. The
philosophy of the evaluation team is that each person with a disability is
unique and that the Americans With Disabilities Act now will require reasonable
accommodations and that this process should begin within the vocational
evaluation laboratory setting.
- Specific Assessment Instruments and Techniques:
- The assessment instruments and techniques will include,
but not be limited to:
- Psychometrics:
- Various standardized academic tests (reading, math,
spelling, and verbal & written vocabulary), non-verbal tests, and locally
normed assessment instruments. Standardized assessments will include:
- An IQ test, either: RAVENS, BETA II or OTIS.
- The WIDE RANGE ACHIEVEMENT TEST
- The WIDE RANGE VOCABULARY TEST
- An interest test, either: GORDON, BECKER, or
VALPAR GOE.
- A sample job application
- Work Samples:
- Standardized commercial work sample systems as well
as locally developed and normed work samples. The work samples will assess:
- Realistic worker skills and traits associated
with actual jobs that are available in the local economy.
- Ability to follow standardized instructions
while working with tools and devices common to the type of work being
assessed.
Each work sample will have:
- An examiners manual which will relate the work
sample to a competitive job or group of jobs.
- The prerequisites to attempting the work sample.
- The purpose of the work sample clearly identified
to the evaluee.
- Standardized equipment and materials identified
for the evaluee and the examiner.
- The preparation required for using the work
sample for testing.
- Standardized instructions to the evaluee.
- Instructions to the examiner for the procedures
of testing, timing, and scoring.
- Instructions for interpreting the scores
achieved.
- Transferable Skills Analysis:
- The working history of the evaluee is taken and a
search is conducted of a computer data base containing over 29,000 job titles.
The requisite skills of the previous jobs are composited to determine residual
capacities. Then the limitations are included in the job search. The best
matches that are available in the area are retained. When coupled with an
academic assessment and a valid work history this tool makes for an especially
useful instrument.
- Simulated Job Situations:
- The evaluee is assessed in a situation that resembles
or is identical to the actual job environment in which the tested job is
accomplished. All factors assessed should closely resemble the actual job
including; physical factors, quality, quantity, and criteria for completion of
the same task as would be found on an actual job.
- Job Exploration:
- Use of numerous exploration activities using The
Dictionary of Occupational Titles, Occupational Outlook Handbook, and Various
exploration activities.
- On the Job Evaluation:
- On an actual job site the evaluee is assessed to
determine his/her suitability for a particular job or type of job. They are
assessed as to his/her ability to follow supervision, work safely, ability to
work, ability to arrive and use transportation services, and ability to work in
a competitive situation.
- Interviews & Behavioral Observations:
- During the course of the vocational evaluation a
vocational interview is conducted on each person. This interview includes (but
is not limited to); personal history, social interactions, physical history,
educational history, employment history, and general information relating to
his/her specific disability and how it relates to his/her vocational goals.
Additionally, while working on the various work samples and devices each
evaluee is observed as to how his/her behaviors would be accepted by a possible
employer and this information is recorded.
- Other Evaluations or Assessments as needed:
- The staff of the VIP customize an evaluation which
will meet your needs. If sufficient numbers of persons are to be tested the
evaluation can be brought to another city if suitable facilities are
provided.
- Staff Qualifications:
- The vocational evaluation will be supervised by a
Certified Vocational Evaluator and Certified Rehabilitation Counselor, who has
been trained at the Masters Level in vocational evaluation and general
rehabilitation. Staff members are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) The
technicians are trained and supervised in administration of work samples and
other assessment devices. When referral is needed an outside agency, it is made
to ensure that the best information available is used in making a vocational
decision.
Types of Assessment Services
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VIP SERVICES P.O. Box 818
Clyde, TX 79510 |