Study Guide Questions

1. What are three main considerations that should guide assessment planning?
   
   
2. Define a multidisciplinary approach to assessment and an interdisciplinary approach to assessment. What is one problem associated with both of these approaches?
   
   
3. Name one advantage each for using the System to Plan Early Childhood Services (SPECS) and the Primary Language Record (PLR).
   
   
4. Name three potential barriers to successful implementation of a transdisciplinary framework, and suggest one solution for overcoming each barrier.
   

Answer Key

1. a. A transdisciplinary framework must be utilized to obtain a holistic and representative picture of children’s abilities and needs.
   
   b. An accurate and comprehensive view of children’s developmental abilities across environments must be obtained.
   
   c. Procedures must be individualized to match the unique characteristics of children and families.
   
   
   
2. The multidisciplinary approach allows professionals to carry out assessment activities in isolation from other professionals.
   
   Those who adopt an interdisciplinary approach conduct assessment activities separate from other team members but periodically meet with them to share information.
   
   Problem: In both of these approaches, there is a lack of coordination and formal input from caregivers, teachers, and other professionals. This lack of collaboration between caregivers and practitioners is dangerous because it can result in judgments based on incomplete information and may lead to placement errors.
   
   
   
3. Any of the following answers are acceptable for the System to Plan Early Intervention Services (SPECS):
   
   a. SPECS may be used to synthesize information obtained from multiple measures (e.g., tests, interviews, observations), sources (e.g., professionals from different disciplines and caregivers), and environments (e.g., home, school, community).
   
   b. SPECS uses a consensus rating system to help teams make joint decisions about children’s and families’ needs.
   
   c. SPECS serves a variety of purposes including assessment, service delivery planning, progress evaluation, team organization, service coordination, and program impact.
   
   Any of the following answers are acceptable for the Primary Language Record (PLR):
   
   a. The PLR provides multiple perspectives on children and their learning and is particularly suited for children from various cultural backgrounds and children with learning disabilities (Falk, et al., 1994).
   
   b. The PLR provides specific procedural guidelines and a structure for practitioners to systematically record observations of children’s behaviors.
   
   c. The PLR’s innovative approach to IEP development focuses on recommendations for types of instructional supports rather than educational objectives and skills and criteria for mastery.
   
   
   
4. a. Possible changes in preservice and in-service preparation of practitioners
   
   b. Possible additional time and training that are not always available to team members
   
   c. Conflicting time schedules of team members and/or lack of administrative support
   
   d. Team members’ lack of knowledge about their own roles and responsibilities, as well as the responsibilities of the other disciplines represented
   
   e. Lack of a common theoretical or philosophical orientation to the assessment process among team members
   
   f. Lack of a clear goal or purpose for the task at hand and the necessary negotiation and communication skills to solve problems