Information and resources on college options for students with intellectual disabilities

Welcome to the PERC Postsecondary Program Evaluation Tool: A Self-Assessment for College and Community-Based Services (MS Word | PDF)

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This project was supported in part by the United States Department Of Education, Office of Special Education Programs, OSERS Grant #324 R020063.

The purpose of the tool is to allow users to evaluate aspects of programs or services for students with intellectual disabilities who are receiving transition services in college and other community settings. The PERC Postsecondary Program Evaluation Tool (MS Word | PDF) provides a snapshot of the quality of existing services and provides users with a concise evaluation report. It also provides users with the opportunity to create a customized action plan that can be used to address areas in need of improvement.

This instrument can be used to:

• Evaluate existing programs and services provided to students with intellectual disabilities in college and community settings
• Identify areas of need or improvement
• Provide a concise overview and summary of student outcomes including employment and college course access
• Compile and synthesize data for use in presentations or written materials
• Create an action plan to address priority areas of need or improvement
• Inform and guide planning committee for emerging programs and services

Methods of Completion

This evaluation can be completed in two ways.

Method 1: Online

Users can input their data and scores for each section online and the tool will automatically tabulate and summarize their responses. The completed evaluation can then be downloaded to your computer and saved as a Rich Text File (RTF). In addition, the action plan can also be completed online and then downloaded and saved as a Rich Text File (RTF) on your computer. Both files can be opened and modified at a later time using Microsoft Word or any other text editing software.

Method 2: Offline

Users can download a blank evaluation document onto their computer, save it as a rich text file, and then complete the document on their computer or on a hard copy print out. This option provides the user with the opportunity to complete the evaluation without Internet access. However, the user will need to tabulate scores when using the tool in this manner. The action plan can also be downloaded to your computer and completed by the user offline. Once again, when using the tool in this manner, areas of need will not automatically be listed on the action plan and will need to be identified by the user(s).

Please make sure to download and save any part of the evaluation document and summary report that you wish to keep. No data will be stored and the forms will be blank each time you open them.

Recommended Strategies for Use

Get Multiple Perspectives

In order to get a complete and accurate view of your program, we recommend that users seek out a variety of perspectives when evaluating their programs or services. Enlisting relevant personnel including school system administrators, program coordinators or teachers, job or education coaches, instructional assistants or Para educators will provide a clearer reflection of current services.

Compare and Discuss Scores

Once each person has completed the evaluation, a meeting should be held to review the findings. Often, depending upon their perspective and level of involvement, scores can vary widely. This is expected and provides an excellent platform for discussion.

Prioritize Areas of Need and Create an Action Plan

Once each section has been reviewed, it is important to identify the key areas in which improvement or changes in service are necessary. Take the time to prioritize the areas of need, determine the person or persons responsible, and set up a timeline for completion.

Review Progress Regularly and Modify Action Plan

As progress is made toward goals, stakeholders should meet frequently to modify the action plan. Consider conducting the evaluation each spring to determine what might need to be addressed to improve services for students during the following year.

Conduct Other Forms of Evaluation

This tool should be used in conjunction with other means of program evaluation such as student, parent, and employer satisfaction surveys, staff and student monitoring data, and the collection and compilation of exit and follow up data.