Learning Media Assessment of Students with Visual Impairments
A Resource Guide for Teachers
By: Alan J. Koenig, M. Cay Holbrook
About This Book
Designed to assist in the selection of appropriate literacy media for students with visual impairments, this guide outlines the essential elements of learning media assessments. Chapter 1 provides an overview of the learning media assessment (LMA) process. Included is a discussion of Texas law and regulations that govern LMA. Chapter 2 documents the student's use of sensory channels utilizing an objective procedure and recording form. Chapter 3 helps team members translate the student's use of sensory channels into appropriate general learning media by providing guidelines and a checklist. Chapter 4 presents a process for making an initial decision on the literacy medium in which the student will begin a conventional reading and writing instructional program. The following chapter presents a process for continuous assessment of the student's literacy media. The last chapter presents a comprehensive process for selecting functional learning and literacy media for students with additional disabilities. It provides guidelines for determining the student's use of sensory channels and selecting functional media. Appendices include a specific assessment procedure to compare the effectiveness of various print media for students with low vision, assessment forms, and reading strategy lessons. (Contains 10 references.) (CR)
AI Overview
The book "Learning Media Assessment of Students with Visual Impairments: A Resource Guide for Teachers" by Alan J. Koenig and M. Cay Holbrook is a comprehensive resource guide designed to help teachers assess and support students with visual impairments in their educational journey. Here is a detailed overview of the book:
Key Themes
Assessment and Evaluation:
- The book focuses on the systematic assessment of students' learning media, which includes evaluating sensory preferences, learning environments, and intervention materials and methods.
- It emphasizes the use of assessments like the Functional Vision Evaluation (FVE) to describe sensory abilities and identify adaptations and intervention strategies.
Sensory Channels and Learning Media:
- The authors provide guidelines for determining the student's use of sensory channels, which is crucial for selecting appropriate general and literacy media.
- The book includes checklists and forms to help teachers interpret data and make informed decisions about literacy media.
Diagnostic Teaching and Literacy Programs:
- Chapter 4 outlines a process for making an initial decision on the literacy medium in which the student will begin a conventional reading and writing instructional program.
- Chapter 5 focuses on continuous assessment of the student's literacy media, ensuring that the initial decision remains appropriate and providing mechanisms for adding additional communication tools as needed.
Supporting Students with Additional Disabilities:
- Chapter 6 provides comprehensive guidelines for selecting functional learning and literacy media for students with additional disabilities. It includes processes for determining readiness for a functional literacy program and selecting the most appropriate medium.
Plot Summary
The book is structured to provide a step-by-step guide for teachers to assess and support students with visual impairments. It includes:
- Initial Assessment: Evaluating sensory abilities and determining the primary and secondary modes of learning.
- Literacy Medium Selection: Making an initial decision on the literacy medium and providing a checklist for this process.
- Continuous Assessment: Ensuring that the initial decision remains appropriate and providing mechanisms for adding additional communication tools as needed.
- Supporting Students with Additional Disabilities: Providing guidelines for determining the use of sensory channels and selecting functional learning media for students with additional disabilities.
Critical Reception
The book has been well-received in the educational community for its practical and comprehensive approach to assessing and supporting students with visual impairments. It is widely used as a resource guide for teachers of students with visual impairments (TVIs) and is recognized for its detailed checklists and forms that aid in the assessment process.
Overall, "Learning Media Assessment of Students with Visual Impairments" by Alan J. Koenig and M. Cay Holbrook is a valuable resource for educators seeking to provide effective support to students with visual impairments. Its systematic approach and practical tools make it an essential guide in the field of special education.