Return-Path: <nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id eARLbK926294; Mon, 27 Nov 2000 16:37:30 -0500 (EST) Date: Mon, 27 Nov 2000 16:37:30 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <32.d048c77.27542cdc@aol.com> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: PowerPath@aol.com To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-ld@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-LD:3297] RE: IEP's for Adult Literacy programs X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: AOL for Macintosh sub 28 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; charset="US-ASCII" Status: O Content-Length: 4509 Lines: 76 Bob -- In regards to an individualized educational plan/form for adults in basic skill and literacy programs (both community and institution-based)-- PowerPath to Adult Basic Learning (see www.powerpath.com) uses a 'Personal Learning Plan' (PLP) and a 'Personal Employment Plan' (PEP) as a key element in it's intervention process. The form works as a template or framework for instruction and practices 'frontal lobe' or megacognitive skills, i.e., planning, organization, being strategic, carrying out behaviors, reflection, and transferring of learning from on situation to another -- in other words: the LEARNING process. Just implementing the form builds 'learning how to learn skills' as a learner works on improving his/her basic reading, math, vocational skills, etc. The form is completed on a regular basis (weekly -> monthly) with the adult learner/client through a dialog with his/her instructor/tutor or case worker. Core to writing the PLP/PEP are the specific learning accommodations/strategies that are recommended based upon the individual's PowerPath screening results: Information Processing Screening (screening for visual and auditory functions, reading encoding and decoding, visual and auditory process), Attention Difficulties Screening, and Scotopic Sensitivity Screening. Adult learners really enjoy using the structured PLP/PEP forms. They find it empowering and they like being a partner in selecting strategies, activities, materials, setting timelines, and most-of-all, evaluating what they did and what they learned. Instructors find it difficult to take the extra time to 'talk' to each student about what they are doing -- but, find that their low level learner thrive through its use. SO -- we train instructors to think of completing the PLP with the learner as a skill building activity -- just like the other skills they teach, but this time with the skill being 'learning how to learn.' Volunteer tutors (and programs) LOVE the form and find that it is the structure they've needed to keep moving the learner forward....and tutors consistent. The PLP form is a tool to 'do the right job right.' The form was initially modeled after the University of Kansas, School of Social Welfare's case management plan -- designed by Charles Rapp, Ph.D. -- employing four key questions "Where are you? Where do you want to go? What do you have to get there? and What steps do we need to take to get you where you want to go?". Rapp's planning document was further refined and tested by the Ohio Department of Mental Health. Their research findings indicated that just using the form can both change the practice of entrenched direct service staff and prove to be a powerful tool to help individuals make positive life changes. PowerPath's design of the PLP form and PEP form has been further improved based on input from instructors and adult learners, Fingeret's work on building personal empowerment and helping adult learner's make positive life changes -- along with additional research on 'best practices' -- ex., Bridges to Practice -- for adults with learning difficulties. SO -- what does the form look like? Its pretty simple. The form's top portion includes long and short-term goals, personal strengths, and duration of the plan. Then there is a grid that has the following columns: Skill (to be learned such as: Reading/Building Vocabulary); Strategy (specific to the accommodations recommended by the PowerPath's screening results -- such as 'use a marker under the line as your read', or 'keep work period short', etc. ); Task (what is the activity that needs to be done); Materials (what materials are needed); Time (how long do you expect this will take?); Check (as in: accomplished) -- then two reflection/evaluation questions -- How I did? and What I learned? Want a sample? Visit PowerPath's website (www.powerpath.com) and request an info packet. A completed PLP is included in the info packet. Want to know a program using the PLP? Let us know where you are and we'll link you up with current user. By-the-way, PowerPath has a three day Certification Training that trains you to both screen and use the PLP/PEP as an intervention tool. To receive the certification -- you need to complete a case study including (3) PLP's completed with a learner screened for LD. Trainings are scheduled this winter in: Ohio, South Carolina, Texas, New York, and Hawaii! Laura Weisel
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