SBIR-STTR Award

Provision of meaningful inservice training for the educators of handicapped children is increasingly costly and difficult to administer. Outdated delivery models are unable to provide focused content, and are unresponsive to staff requirements. This proposal addresses the need for better inservice training with a decentralized, self-paced model that provides focused content with computerized review, assessment and record keeping. Phase I will explore the feasibility of conducting pilot projects in Phase II. Major components of the model are the development of focused content modules appropriate to specialized skill improvement, replacement of mandatory centralized inservice with self-paced study, and automated program monitoring and record keeping. A stratified sample of special education directors will be selected based on program size for an initial survey. This will be followed by structured interviews and surveys of staff training needs for selected districts. Six sites will be chosen for visitation preliminary to selection as pilot project locations in Phase II. Outcomes will include detailed work plans for Phase II implementation, with emphasis on focused content modules, record keeping requirements, computer location and information flow, and measures of staff knowledge gain and acceptance of the model.Anticipated Results and

Potential Commercial Applications:
If both phases are successful, a new inservice delivery model will be available to districts. It will afford meaningful, focused content modules, high employee satisfaction, software for accurate and efficient record keeping, and cost savings for districts. The model is applicable to any business or government entity engaged in employee training, development, and assessment as an in-house training method. It also applies to self study for professions requiring licensure, such as real estate, accounting, and banking.

Keywords:
Focused Content, Inservice, Computer, Assessment, Self-paced, TrainingTopic 5: Development or Adaptation of Innovative Technologies to Enchance Learning and Development of Young Disabled Children

Provision of meaningful inservice training for the educators of handicapped children is increasingly costly and difficult to administer. Outdated delivery models are unable to provide focused content, and are unresponsive to staff requirements. This research addresses the need for better inservice using a decentralized, self-paced model providing focused content with computerized review, assessment and record keeping. Major components of the model are the development of focused content modules for specialized skill improvement, replacement of centralized inservice with self-paced study, and automated program monitoring and record keeping. Phase I research verified a high acceptance of the model and established the feasibility of conducting pilot projects in Phase II through the use of a national mail survey of directors, staff surveys in 27 districts, structured interviews, and site visits to districts. Phase II research and development will be to (1) develop integrated focused content training modules incorporating videotape, programmed texts, and computer presented material; (2) develop administrative record keeping software for automatic interfacing with training modules; (3) implement the self-paced model in three pilot districts for a one year field test; and (4) evaluate the learning modules, software, and the model itself for Phase III development and marketing.

Keywords:
focused content, inservice, computer, assessment, self-paced, trainingAnticipated results for Phase II and commercial implications: If Phase II is successful, a new inservice delivery model will be available to districts. It will afford meaningful, focused content training modules, high employee satisfaction, software for accurate and efficient record keeping, and cost savings for districts. The model is applicable to any business or government entity engaged in employee training, development, and assessment as an in-house training method. It also applies to self study for professions requiring licensure, such as real estate, accounting, and banking. Topic 5: Development or Adaptation of Innovative Technologies to Enhance Learning and Development of Young Disabled Children