Florida Data Elements

The AEM Best Practices Cohort states have been working on what data elements to collect for accessible educational materials and accessible/assistive technologies. We are down to the following categories with suggested data indicators that point to changes in student behaviors.

Preparation

• Student preparation to participate in learning activities (student survey)

Participation

• Changes in levels of instructional engagement
• Changes in independent completion of assignments

Achievement

• Performance on homework and assignments
• Outcomes on formative assessments
• Correlation between use of AEM and AT and districts at Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3

Independence

• Self-determination indicators
• Expert learner indicators (ability to self identify needs and solutions)
• Active participation in the transition planning process

One of the focus areas will be reading and we will work with Heather Willis-Doxie and Just Read to help align with reading initiatives like the K-12 District Reading Plans and related activities.
The Florida Instructional Materials Center for the Visually Impaired (FIMC-VI) has an extensive data collection system in place for instructional materials, services, and outcomes for students with visual impairments. The Resource Materials and Technology Center for the Deaf/Hard of Hearing (RMTC-D/HH) provides services and support to stakeholders working with students who are deaf or hard of hearing. This data will be included in our focus districts and we will look for any overlap where we can merge data collection efforts.

We will also be looking at system indicators. It will be up to the district as to what data we will be able to collect. Indicators include:

• Number of IEPs with AIM/AEM identified.
• Number of IEPs with NIMAS eligibility identified.
• Number of IEPs with Assistive Technology needs identified.
• Does the district have written policies and procedures regarding AIM/AEM and assistive technology?

Our participating focus districts are Escambia (Judy), Levy (Gary), St. Lucie (Janet), and Wakulla (Carmelina).

System indicators from a state level can include:

• A correlation of Bookshare, NIMAS/Florida, and Learning Ally data with the districts by Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.
• A correlation of AT & UDL Loan Library data with the districts by Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3.