DCIU OPTIONS Assessments

  • OPTIONS assessments describe the social behavior and employability skill levels of the student. The evaluator identifies the student and support network's post-secondary goals. The team then determines which instructional activities are needed to achieve these goals. Assessments are used to evaluate how well a student responds to directions and what special adaptations the student requires to work effectively. Assessments are used only as guides for determining interests and evaluating work skills and preferences. This information may be included in district evaluation reports. Assessments could include:

    • Vocational (norm-referenced measures of aptitude, interest, and education)
    • Situational and community-based assessments
    • Functional academic levels
    • Interests and preferences
    • Individual and family/caregiver interviews and resumes
    • Strengthening self-advocacy skills
    • Develop community access skills
    • Travel assessment and/or instruction

    A Vocational Assessment is an aptitude test, divided into sections of timed exercises. Clear instructions are provided before each section. The administrator remains available to help with instructions when necessary.

    The exercises involve:

    • Object identification
    • Abstract shape matching
    • Clerical matching
    • Pattern visualization
    • Computation (basic math)
    • Numerical reasoning and word meanings

    Manual and finger dexterity and eye-hand coordination are also tested.

    In a Situational Assessment, the student/client is placed in an actual work setting where, under supervision, he/she performs work tasks with other employees or volunteers at that site. The assessor observes, records, and interprets observations. A situational assessment can determine:

    • A person’s strengths
    • Individual interests
    • The amount of support needed to perform a variety of jobs in the community