This paper describes the Work Performance Assessment (WPA) and the Work Personality Profile (WPP) and provides instructions for their use. The WPA and WPP evaluate behaviors associated with job retention and advancement among disabled workers. Together the two evaluation components form a comprehensive observational assessment designed to provide…

The paper describes a vocational program combining assessment and training of handicapped students through a centralized vocational assessment center, parent/student counseling, community survey of occupational opportunities, and curriculum modification and development. Three levels of assessment are conducted (prevocational skills, interests and…

A model public school vocational evaluation center for handicapped students is described. The model's battery of work samples and tests of vocational aptitudes, personal and social adjustment, physical capacities, and work habits are listed. In addition, observation of such work behaviors as remembering instructions, correcting errors, reacting to…

Comprehensive career assessment of handicapped students takes into account medical, psychoeducational, interest and aptitude information, work and job samples, and situational assessment. School-based career assessment programs are described in Texas, New York, Maryland, and Missouri. The author suggests that such programs will become vital parts…

This manual reviews the use of work samples in the vocational assessment of blind and visually impaired persons and suggests improvements in their use. The information in the manual was gathered through a literature review, a national survey of vocational evaluators in rehabilitation facilities and schools for the blind, and ideas developed by the…

The use of vocational evaluation recommendations for 71 disabled students in three public schools was studied. Predictive (placement-oriented) recommendations were implemented more frequently than prescriptive (preparation-oriented) recommendations, and prescriptive recommendations were rarely incorporated into individualized education programs.…

Using participant observation and in-depth interviewing, two vocational evaluation facilities, five professionals, and eight clients were studied. A variety of professional and organizational factors were found to be integral and contradictory parts of the assessment, affecting its character and outcome. (Author/SEW)

The Work Performance Assessment (WPA) is a brief work simulation designed to evaluate job maintenance skills, emphasizing work-related social/interpersonal skills rather than specific vocational skills. The WPA uses three work samples involving sorting of food service items to measure 19 common work demands in four categories: responding to…

The purpose of the study was to investigate the construct validity of the Jewish Employment and Vocational Service (JEVS) work samples. The specific objectives were: (1) to investigate the factor structure of the JEVS work samples; (2) to determine which work samples were good measures of general ability; and (3) to identify the work samples that…

This guide is intended to assist vocational rehabilitation counselors in planning and conducting short-term vocational evaluations of clients. The first section discusses the elements that must be included in a comprehensive vocational evaluation. Next, strategies for conducting a vocational evaluation are explained. The next section, a case study…

This guide for potential purchasers of vocational evaluation systems begins with an edited reprint of an article on how to select a commercial vocational evaluation system. Section 2 explains the 15 major points contained in the outline of each system. They are development, organization, physical aspects, work evaluation process, administration,…

This document is a guide to vocational assessment of secondary school students, especially those who have disabilities. It was developed for use in Fayette County, Kentucky, but can be adapted for use in other areas. The nine sections of the guide discuss the background and procedures for conducting student assessments. The first four sections of…

This paper provides a summary of thoughts, resources, ideas, and a review of the state-of-the-art provisions of vocational assessment services for the visually impaired. The paper is organized in seven sections. The first section provides definitions of vocational assessment and the related terms of career assessment, educational/psychological…

Concerns expressed regarding the use of work sample systems for assessing handicapped students include: limitations of trait assessment; criteria and standards; application of work sample results; need to measure learning outcomes; and limited focus. Recommendations include use of competency analysis, selection criteria, and commercial and locally…

This report will be of greatest interest for persons involved in adult high school completion programs, especially those teachers, counselors and administrators who are interested in making the students' educations relevant to their daily living. Through Project PLANE, a comprehensive assessment system and a coordinated referral system was…