Evaluation Model
Students in the Learning Disabilities and Technology project have access to a variety of assistive technologies including a talking word processor, word prediction software, concept mapping software, and computer assisted reading materials. Teachers participating in the project received training on the use of the hardware and software and ongoing support from Special Education Technology Center staff.
To assess the impact of this experience on the teachers and students and to improve the process in the future, the evaluation of this project focuses on gathering quantitative and qualitative data to answer several key questions:
- What students were impacted by the project in terms of both numbers and demographics?
- What was the overall quality of the professional development?
- How has the project changed the teaching practices of participating teachers?
- To what extent has the treatment improved the LD students' ability to meet the Essential Academic Learning Requirements in writing?
- To what extent has the treatment improved the attitudes of the LD students toward writing?
- What is the attitude of the regular education students toward this learning model?
- To what extent has the treatment improved the keyboarding skills of the LD students?
- What challenges were encountered during the implementation of the project?
To provide answers to these questions, the following evaluation activities are carried out:
- Collection of participant information
- Teacher interviews
- Skills inventory
- Classroom visits
- Workshop evaluations
- Student surveys
- Writing assessments
- Teacher surveys
- Keyboarding assessments
- Professional development progress reports