| In a 90 minute Roundtable session, the first
rotation uses the first 45 minutes and the second rotation uses the last 45 minutes. |
| Roundtable Rotation I:
An Evaluation of Ten Years of Progress in an Autistic Impaired Preschool Program |
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Roundtable Presentation 681 to be held in Federal Hill Suite on Friday, November 9, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
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| Presenter(s):
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| Carmen Jonaitis,
Western Michigan University,
cjonaiti@kresanet.org
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| Jinhai Zhang,
Western Michigan University,
jinhaizhang@hotmail.com
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| Abstract:
A university professor who was instrumental in designing the on-site practicum at a school for children with disabilities requested this evaluation. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of an autistic impaired preschool program in teaching preschool children with developmental disabilities the skills needed to be successful in a less restrictive learning environment. For some children this will be participation in kindergarten, for other children this may mean participation in a less restrictive special education program. This evaluation analyzed the number of skills that children achieve after entering the program, and what percentage of kindergarten readiness skills are achieved before the children leave the program. Additionally, parent satisfaction with the program was evaluated. The intent of this evaluation was to determine what areas of the program can be improved to increase student success. The audience included the practicum coordinator that assists in overseeing the practicum, as well as the graduate assistants responsible for training and supervising the classroom tutors. The audience also included twelve program staff, and the school psychologist who has participated in program design and implementation. Additional stakeholders include parents, local kindergarten teachers, practicum students, and school administrators.
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| Roundtable Rotation II:
Conducting Successful Field Research in School-based Settings |
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Roundtable Presentation 681 to be held in Federal Hill Suite on Friday, November 9, 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM
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| Presenter(s):
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| David Dobrowski,
First 5 Monterey County,
david@first5monterey.org
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| Raul Martinez,
Harder & Company Community Research,
rmartinez@harderco.com
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| Abstract:
In 2006, First 5 Monterey County worked with 25 schools, representing 11 districts, to implement the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, a study designed to provide a snapshot of kindergarteners' readiness to begin school. The assessment used four tools based on the National Education Goals Panel's definition of school readiness to gather information about incoming kindergarteners. While First 5 had previously sponsored the Kindergarten Readiness Assessment, it did so with far fewer schools.
This roundtable will explore the processes used to successfully collect 1,525 child surveys, 1,485 family surveys, 1,203 matched child and family surveys, and 74 kindergarten teacher surveys. Specifically, we will describe strategies undertaken to achieve high response rates, obtain consent and buy-in from schools and districts, and ensure quality data collection. We will also identify challenges encountered during field operations, offer tips to facilitate the successful implementation of assessments in school-based settings, and invite audience discussion and feedback.
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