Update on the Online Conversion Process for AEPSi:

Implications for OSEP Reporting

Rationale

• States using 7-point online conversions noted a larger than expected proportion of typically developing children.

• Expert practitioners (Nebraska) chart review demonstrated that some of the children who were rated a 6 or 7 were performing below what would be considers typical development for their age.

Discussions with Brookes to review the analyses for the cut-scores for

the 7 point scale.

Conversion Process: Partnership with Brookes and ECO

• Reviewed the original conversion process

• Developed a set of methods to revise and validate a new process

Details of the Analysis Process

• Assessment data from children with and without disabilities were used in the sample (from original research)

• Age expected performance was used to benchmark the 7 points along a range of typical development for each age band

Analysis Process: Continued

• A sample of children with disabilities performance was compared to the benchmarks

• Validation of the new cut scores were based on previous research and federally reported state data

Running OSEP Reports

• Current online reports do not yet reflect these revised cut scores but will soon.

• Brookes has programming into the online system underway.

• Reports based on the revised cut scores may be requested from Brookes and are quickly available

6Early Childhood Outcomes Center

What changed?

• Children need to have higher scores to be rated as performing similar to same age peers

How to explain the changes in APR and to Stakeholders

• Stress the importance of having numbers that are a more accurate representation of the status of the children

• Changes in the summary statements may not reflect a change in performance but a change in the measurement

• This could be a rationale for modifying your state’s targets for 2011-2012.

How does this impact the OSEP Child Outcomes Reports

• OSEP reports will have smaller proportions of children in the D and E categories

• Size of the effect will depend on the:– % of children that being assessed with AEPSi

in your state– Ability level of the children in your population