PT/OT
The “How” of Ecological Assessment
December 08, 2021
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
According to Dr. Bronfenbrenner, ecological assessment involves stakeholders to identify student performance challenges and assist in their analysis.
PT/OT
The “What” of Ecological Assessment
December 07, 2021
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
Ecological assessment is a comprehensive process of assessment in which data on student performance is collected through observation across different environments and/or settings. It is a collaborative process that involves relevant stakeholders.
PT/OT
The “Why” of Ecological Assessment
November 22, 2021
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
In 2004, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) was reauthorized with language supporting participation in the natural environment. This has challenged school-based practitioners to use the natural environment as a basis for assessment.
PT/OT
Part 3: The Application of GAS to the IEP Process
August 31, 2020
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
Best practice in educational goal writing is for a goal to be discipline-free and reflective of meaningful outcomes, not only for the current IEP cycle but looking forward. Given the one variable requirement of GAS, how does this process work when developing team-oriented goals?
PT/OT
Part 2: What Is Goal Attainment Scaling?
August 12, 2020
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a client-centric, criterion referenced measure of progress, responsive to minimally significant changes in a specific outcome, whether it be an individual goal or a functional goal.
PT/OT
Part 1: Why Goal Attainment Scaling?
July 21, 2020
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
In March 2017, the Supreme Court ruled on the case of Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District. Endrew F. was a student with autism who for years had made only minimal educational gains under the IEP developed by his school, causing his parents to transfer him to a private school.
PT/OT
P-PAS, Adaptive Equipment and You
December 03, 2019
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
The Posture and Postural Ability Scale or P-PAS is a tool that can be used to assess posture, postural ability and the quality of posture in prone, supine, sitting and standing positions. Posture, in this context, refers to the anatomical alignment of body parts in relationship to each other and the environment.
PT/OT
SATCo, Adaptive Equipment and You
November 18, 2019
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
SATCo is a valuable tool to help clinicians determine just where a client needs trunk support in order to engage in a task or activity. The work of Butler et al. demonstrated the validity of the tool and its ability to detect trunk weakness and postural control challenges. This approach to assessing the trunk is a paradigm shift.
PT/OT
Useful Tips for Writing a Letter of Educational Necessity for Adaptive Equipment
April 22, 2019
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
As a school based practitioner, I understand the challenges and frustrations of acquiring adaptive equipment for students that will help bridge the gap between their capacity and performance. The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) defines capacity as the student’s abilities in a situation apart from real life, such as during an evaluation in a quiet room with no...
PT/OT
Four Essentials to Know Before Writing an Effective Letter of Educational Necessity
April 10, 2019
by Sue Cecere, PT, MHS
1. Understand the requirements of federal law IDEA 2004.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that requires schools to meet the educational needs of students with disabilities. Funds for IDEA are allocated at federal, state, and local levels.
To be eligible for the provisions of IDEA, the student must present with one of the following disabilities: intellectual disability...