Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Revised AIR Self Determination Skills Assessments

Recently, I went to use the AIR SelfDetermination Skills Assessments and discovered that it could be improved to make the data more user friendly. I added a second sheet labeled Results that provides a quick calculation of the categories. I also converted all scores to percentages to allow for comparison across categories. Presenting the data in percentages is a change to the way the original scores were reported. I still have not discovered how to eliminate the need to copy formulas. In the results section, copy the formulas in the preceding row to the next row. Please let me know of ways I can make the assessments more user friendly by contacting me at kurtis.broeg@gmail.com

Tuesday, November 22, 2011

How to Copy a Google Doc Assessment from my Transition Site

Step 1: Get a google account


Step 3: Select a link under Data on any of the pages. When it opens it will look like a spreadsheet. For example: click on Numeric Parents of Teenagers Checklist Data

Step 4: On the top left corner of the spreadsheet you will see a File Menu. Click File and select “Make a copy....”

Step 5: A box will open asking you to make a new name for the document. I suggest placing the initials for High School or your name in front of the existing name. For example “KB Numeric Parents of Teenagers Checklist.”

Step 6: Now go to your Documents from the iGoogle page and you will find the Google Doc. Click on the Google Doc to see the spreadsheet.

Step 7: You can send the form to recipients or produce a link on a website. To send the form: Click on form above the spreadsheet. Select send form. A box appears that allows you to enter the emails of the people you wish to send the form. If you have google mail and have the people saved in contacts you can select choose from contacts. To add a link to a website of the form: Click on form and select edit form. Now highlight and copy (Command +C) the url located at the lower right corner of the form. Use this to hyperlink to your own website. Users of your site will only be able to enter data.

Please let me know if the above steps do not work and/or can be improved. You can contact me at kurtis.broeg@gmail.com. Thanks.

Friday, November 18, 2011

21st Century Skills Assessment – New and Improved

After using the assessments and receiving feedback from others, I have divided the assessments into parts to make them more user friendly. I also changed the scoring of each part to a percentage range of zero to one hundred for each assessment. I start by giving the assessment that matches the student's age range. For instance, if I assess a student who is currently in tenth grade I start with 21st Century Skills: Employability Skills Part 4. If the student's total score is less than 70%, I give the student the Employability Part 3 Assessment and continue the process until the student scores above 70%. Using the assessment in which the student scores over 70%, I list the essential skills the student scores above 70% as the skills the student can perform and list the essential skills below 70% as areas in which the student needs instruction. The use of 70% is based on the 0-3 (Disagree-Agree) scale I use on all the assessments. The elements of the essential skills are based on expected desired levels. Does someone want to norm the 21st Century Assessments? Norming would bring great attention to the areas of Living and Working. My assumption is that many students with disabilities would perform above typical peers. While the data for students scoring significantly below peers can be used to guide special education services. Please take a look at the new and improved 21stCentury Skills Assessments.