Stages has been providing assistive technology and resources since 1999. It offers a systematic framework to assess learners, select appropriate materials, integrate tools into instruction, and track learner progress. The framework involves 5 steps: 1) read the Stages book, 2) assess the learner, 3) observe and collect data, 4) check material recommendations, and 5) integrate tools into daily lessons. Stages software and apps help implement this process through features like universal access, adjustable settings, and data reporting tools. The goal is to design individualized learning and continually compile evidence of progress toward alternate assessment goals.

1. Happy Anniversary
Stages!

2. Stages History
o 1999 First book published – Assistive Tech Inc.
o 2000 2nd edition, software development begins
o 2001 Stages software published 8 CD binders
o 2001 Professional Development events
o 2004 All-in-one version
o 2007 Stages Math software published
o 2008 Acquired by Cambium Learning Tech
o 2010 iPad is born (software industry down)
o 2014 Rights returned to Madalaine
o 2015 New Publisher – Attainment Company

3. Stages Framework Process

4. Step 1: Read Stages Book

5. Overview of Stages
• What is Stages?
• Align with Alternate Assessment mandates
• Research (Piaget + Chomsky) = New Strategic Learning Framework
About the Learners
• Observable Characteristics
• Competency Goals
• Sample IEP Objectives
• Off computer activity ideas
• Communication ideas
Recommended Learning Tools
• Learning materials selection tips
• Apps recommendations
NEW Informal Placement Checklist
Book Components

6. Step 2: Assess the Learner

7. • Accessible activities to assess a learner’s skills
• Script for evaluator to follow
• Unique Observation Form
• Records & data kept in
secure cloud
• A guide to selecting appropriate
learning materials based on
performance data
Stages Apps Features:
Redeveloping Stages Assessment Software & Apps

8. Step 3: Observe & Collect Learner Performance Data

9. • Maintain student portfolios
• Track student progress
• Share progress with parents
• Alternate assessment is not an
event, it is a journey!
Capture Data
Alternate Assessment
remains an issue today.

10. • What motivates the learner?
• Distractions in the room?
• Additional assistance needed?
• Secondary evidence or
mitigating information about
how the learner works best
Record Observations

11. • Select appropriate software
or apps and learning
materials
• Use titles you already own
• Keep up-to-date on
new titles
• Implement
“smart spending”
Step 4: Check Materials Recommendations Charts

12. http://apps4stages.wikispaces.com/
Since 2011, Apps Recommendation Wiki

13. Step 5: Integrate Tools into Daily Instruction

14. • Universal design
mouse, keyboard, switch, alternative pointer,
touch screen; auditory scanning, recorded speech
• Feedback for incorrect answers builds learner understanding
• Scaffolding to support learner success
turn on or off prompting, graphical support, help buttons;
talk boards for classroom inclusion
• Adjustable settings you can save for each learner
• Auto Advancing through “smart levels”
• New Content – telling time
Stages Math Number Sense

15. • Capture using photo of a print worksheet or
import digital worksheet from your own cloud
• Scaffold/support learner success - OCR for auditory
independence
• Save different versions of same worksheet using
needed features
• Learner and teacher exchange work digitally
• Learner interaction tools for answering questions include:
Text, Text with Siri to dictate responses, Multiple choice with
speech, Voice recorded responses (explain your answer),
Simple draw tools for circling answers or drawing line to
matching answers
GoWorksheet Maker

16. Generate bar charts or line graphs:
• Accuracy: How often did the learner get the answer
correct on the first try?
• Number of tries: Is the learner completing the activity
with fewer tries?
• Time on activity: Has the time increased or decreased
for this learner?
Analyze progress and generate reports:
• analyze content; and
• create custom summary reports focused
on specific behaviors or skills
Track and Report Learner Progress

17. Quickly & Easily Compile Data:
• Automatically locate your saved Stages data
• Generates graphs & content mastery tables
• Allows customization such as adding
learner profiles, observations,
recommendations, and IEP goals
• Compiles results into a variety of
reports which can be printed or saved
Stages Reporting

18. Generate several types of reports:
Annotated Report
Activity Summary
Cumulative Report for IEP Meeting
Stages Reporting

19. Stages: A Systematic Framework to Design
Learning and Select Educational Materials for
Individuals with Cognitive or Language Delay
The Stages Framework

20. Sneak Peek!

21. Sneak Peek!
GoWorksheet Maker Video Demo

22. Madalaine Pugliese
Assistive Learning Technologies, LLC
madalaine@comcast.net
781-639-1930
Slides URL here
Thanks, Attainment Company!
Thank You Participants!