Background: Over the last 40 years advances in the field of rehabilitation counseling continue to play a major role in the professional identity, skills, and competencies of rehabilitation counselors. While advances have developed in several areas (e.g., multiculturalism, ethics) within the scope of rehabilitation counseling research and practice,…

This article provides an outline and critical review of assessment, an evaluation of learning outcomes, in vocational education and training (VET) in Finland. Assessment of VET is formative, development-orientated and criteria-based. There are no national tests and information from vocational skills demonstrations is used instead. Assessment…

Assessment represents a foundational component of rehabilitation counseling services. The revised Council on Rehabilitation Education (CORE) standards implemented in 2004 resulted in the redesign of the knowledge and outcomes under the Assessment standard. The author reviews the current CORE standard for training in assessment within the context…

To investigate the reliability and feasibility of six potential workplace-based assessment methods in general practice training: criterion audit, multi-source feedback from clinical and non-clinical colleagues, patient feedback (the CARE Measure), referral letters, significant event analysis, and video analysis of consultations. Performance of GP…

Vocational assessment is critical to the success of programs for handicapped students. Several types of vocational assessment activities which can be used are summarized in tables: cumulative data review, interviewing, psychometrics, work samples, production work, simulated job stations, and on-the-job assessment. (CL)

Involvement of students and adult employees into the decisions that affect their education and employment can improve their transition into supported employment. One means for increasing involvement into these decisions is to gain their input into performance evaluations and support needs. The "Job Observation and Behavior Scale: Opportunity for…

Techniques to assess complex features of employment include situational assessment, observational assessment (participant observation, naturalistic observation), and quantification of behaviors. Such data provide a basis for comparing disabled and nondisabled workers, help prioritize instructional objectives, and direct placement decisions. (CL)

Two Massachusetts projects are addressing the need for improved career/vocational evaluation of special needs students in middle/junior high schools. Data are derived from actual instructional experience and represent actual vocational knowledge, skills, attitudes, and interests, as well as specific subskills contributing to vocational…

Describes advantages and disadvantages of work evaluation methods: ranking, market pricing, banding, classification, single-factor, competency, point-factor, and factor comparison. Compares work evaluation perspectives: traditional, realist, market advocate, strategist, organizational development, social reality, contingency theory, competency,…

The article considers the importance of vocational evaluation for individuals with learning disabilities, notes a legislative mandate for vocational evaluation, defines it in the context of special education, describes specific evaluation tools such as performance tests and work samples, and identifies seven vocational evaluation outcomes for…

The Skills Assessment Module (SAM) is designed to assess special needs students' affective, cognitive, and manipulative strengths and weaknesses in relation to vocational skills required in various training programs within a school system. Initial sections outline procedures and techniques (including paper-pencil tests, hands-on skill modules and…

The paper sets forth the position of the Council for Exceptional Children's Division on Career Development regarding career/vocational assessment. The statement addresses the definitions, purpose, goals, methods, and personnel involved. (CL)

Northern Lights Vocational Services of Ontario (Canada) is an agency that grew out of a need for people to have access to vocational services on a local basis. It replaces traditional, facility-based testing technologies with new tools that can be used in a community setting. The agency has developed an approach to vocational evaluation and…

When dealing with clients who have epilepsy, vocational counselors need a thorough understanding of the condition, the client's medication status, the usefulness of certain vocational evaluation instruments and neuropsychological assessments, psychosocial aspects, and principles in rehabilitation planning and counseling. The value of…

Describes an occupational therapy skills assessment protocol developed and used to evaluate physical, cognitive, and behavioral abilities for persons seeking to return to work following head injuries. It measures them within the framework of productivity, interpersonal skills, and safety. (Contains 48 references.) (Author/JOW)