CAST, August 2012

What questions should you ask

to address engagement?

EngagementGoals What is the goal of this TASK? Is the means embedded?

• Do goals allow for self-advocacy/choice making/socially appropriate responses?

• Can collaboration enhance motivation/generalization?• Am I allowing for exploration? • Are the demands appropriate for level(s) of socio-

emotional development?

Assessment How do I know they’re getting it?

• What incentives will enhance performance?• Are learners able to self-monitor progress? Reflect on

performance? Correct errors? • Are the learners offered choice/options?• Do the demands and resources match or optimize

challenge?• Does evaluation cause anxiety?

Methods/Materials What instructional strategies, techniques? Which tools, media & supplies?

• Is the activity meaningful? Functional? Relevant?• Are materials safe?• How do social dynamics affect the techniques or

tools/media?• Do materials distract from efforts?• Do methods/materials need to be personalized?

What questions should you ask

to address representation?

CAST, August 2012

RepresentationGoals What is the goal of this TASK? Is the means embedded?

• Is repetition needed?• How much scaffolding? Fading? Prompting?• Are both content & its representations meaningful? • Am I offering both linguistic and non-linguistic

representation? Is there flexibility?

Assessment How do I know they’re getting it?

• Are there external factors affecting performance?• Am I working within their Zone of Proximal

Development (ZPD)?• Am I providing too much/too little support?• Am I providing a practice period?• Are representations meaningful? Is there flexibility?

Methods/Materials What instructional strategies, techniques? Which tools, media & supplies?

• Am I defining vocabulary? Clarifying syntax/structure?• Am I offering multiple exemplars? Models? NON-

examples?• Are there language/cultural barriers?• Am I making use of technology? Multi-media?• Are the critical features/big ideas highlighted?• Am I activating background knowledge?• Are there transfer & generalization options?

CAST, August 2012

What questions would you ask

to address action

and expression?

Action & ExpressionGoals What is the goal of this TASK? Is the means embedded?

• Are alternative means allowed?(e.g., draw, point, describe) What alternative or AT tools are in IEP?

• Do goals focus on communication with peers? Adults?• Are multiple expression outlets allowed?• Are graduated levels of support addressed?• Is the learner involved in goal setting?

Assessment How do I know they’re getting it?

• What supports are needed for responses?• Is strategic development obvious in the assessment?• Am I providing enough time for practice/formulation?• Are multiple expression tools/options allowed?• Are there supports for learner decision making?• How do learners monitor their progress?

Methods/Materials What instructional strategies, techniques? Which tools, media & supplies?

• Do the methods/strategies support the learner in planning/developing strategic decision making?

• What AT, multi-media or other tools are necessary?• Are materials age-appropriate/appealing?• Do learners manage their own materials/resources?