Technology+IEP+Goal+for+Martin+Assignment

Given Martin’s scenario, determine what technology is required to help him by writing a detailed outline covering specifics noted below. Based on your information, develop a Technology-based IEP goal and two objectives.   ** Scenario: ** Martin is a five yr old little boy who is currently attending kindergarten. Martin is in a regular kindergarten classroom. He has cerebral palsy; therefore, he is unable to walk and has poor fine motor skills (cannot hold a pencil, etc). He is able to talk like any other child his age. 

1. What process you would use to determine if technology would be helpful?

I think the first step in determining what's best for a student, specifically when it comes to their IEP Technology goal is to simply observe the student (behavior, skills, strengths and weaknesses) over a period of time (perhaps three weeks). This will give me a good picture in what types of activities Martin participates in and to what degree. If Martin is in an ESE Unit/Class, it will also be necessasry to talk to his other teachers – general education, paraprofessionals, occupational therapists and anyone else who works with him to gain a better understanding of Martin’s educational and functional abilities and needs in the classroom. Finally, it's important to speak with Martin along with his parents. This way, his parents can express their concerns and what they believe his needs are and more importantly, so they feel they are a part of his IEP planning right from the beginning.

Based on the scenario provided, Martin may benefit from voice-to-text software such as **Dragon NaturallySpeaking** and **Talking Translator Pro** (both released in 2009 Speech to Text Website for completing type-written class work. He may also enjoy being able to record himself using a simple voice recorder such as Sony ICD-B300 for $30, instead of handwriting assignments like stories, poems, math problems, or a social studies chapter review. Martin may also benefit from low tech AT tools such as pens and pencils with different grips and using different types of paper for writing. 

2. What would your recommendations be?

I think its practical to go from determing lower cost and low tech tools first and see how different everyday things he uses (writing clipboard, etc) can be modified before trying to find high tech AT tools.

3. How will the uses of the technologies you have listed help to enable Martin to participate in the regular activities of the classroom?

These technologies = the speech-to-text software, voice recorder, and writing tools with different shapes featuring grips will benefit Martin because the tools will enable him to complete the same assignments as his other classmates. Using the mentioned tools will help him finish his work efficiently and more independently. 

4. How might any of these technologies benefit the other children in the classroom as well?

Having varrying forms of AT (low and high tech) in the classroom would benefit other students in Martin's class as well. Students who speak a second language (ELL's) may enjoy sharing the speech-to-text software so they can practice correct pronunciation and spelling of the English language as well as worder/sentence order. His classmates will also enjoy recording themselves and listening to their own voices (developing their speech awareness) as they play back the recorder. As for the writing tools, these could also help Martin’s classmates if they need to work on producing more readable writing.

5. Where you would find these technology devices?

Speech to text software can be found in office supply stores such as OfficeMax, Staples, or Office Depot. Ask your principal or media specialist to see if the school already has this type of software. Different types of voice recorders with prices that will fit anyones budget can be found also in office supply stores or even at Wal-Mart or Walgreens. This also goes the same for the pen and pencil grips.

6. Who woul be on the multi-disciplinary team to help you make decisions? 

Martin’s multidisciplinary team will consist of his family (primary care provider/legal guardians), his general and special educators, the physical and/or occupational therapist and the school media specialist.

 Martin will work on his writing skills in the kindergarten level proficiency in different content areas using appropriate and pre-determined types of assistive technology according to his skills and needs with the help of his multdisciplinary team. Martin's progress will be observed and assessed by synthesizing his writing samples and other teacher-given formative and summative assessments throughout the school year. 
 * Technology-based IEP Goal:**

** Two objectives: ** 1. Use pencil with appropriate type (mechanical or traditional), size and grips) and proper paper or assistive technology (either low or high tech) to independently work on completed writing assignments. 2. Use assistive technology to create and share with his classmates, a published written task (ie. a story or a simple poem).