A vocational assessment is required by the I.E.P. for transition planning.
It may include: teacher/staff observations, examples of classroom
performance, on-the-job tryouts, tests, and work samples. The
following information may be provided for transition planning: career
awareness/exploration, interests, aptitudes, work habits, personal and
social skills, self concept, values, attitude toward work, work tolerances,
and learning styles. For more information please read: "Vocational
Assessment: A Guide for Parents and Professionals" published by the
National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities.
AT W.P.S.D. we perform the following vocational assessments:
8th Grade Students
All students who are in the 8th grade participate in a 'brief vocational
evaluation'. This consists of an interest inventory (Reading-Free
Vocational Interest Inventory, Wide Range Interest and Opinion Test, or
one the COPSystem Interest Inventories). Students who take one of the
higher level COPS Interest Inventories also take the Career Ability
Placement Survey. A copy of the report is given to the parents and
discussed during the I.E.P. The Guidance Counselor reviews the
test results with the individual student. This information allows the
student to explore potential careers and use the information to
participate in high school course selection.
Students who enter W.P.S.D. after completing the 8th grade participate
in the evaluation during the year that they are admitted.
11th Grade Students
All students who are in the 11th grade are referred for a more indepth
evaluation. This includes an interest inventory (Reading-Free
Vocational Interest Inventory, Wide Range Interest and Opinion Test, or
one the COPSystem Interest Inventories). Students who take one of the
higher level COPS Interest Inventories also take the Career Ability
Placement Survey. In addition other aptitude tests and work samples
may be administered. A copy of the report is given to the parents and
discussed during the I.E.P. The Guidance Counselor reviews the
test results with the individual student. This information allows the
student to explore potential careers and use the information in
post-secondary planning.
Applied Studies Students
Applied Studies students will also partcipate in the vocational evaluation
process. Some students may complete the same tests as the Upper
School students. For other students, a Functional Vocational Evaluation
will be written. It will include: individual preferences, strengths,
functional academics, communication, gross and fine motor ability,
work habits, and transportation needs. Securing this information will be
a team effort between the vocational evaluator, the academic teachers,
the W.T.C. staff, and the parents.
