A: A Level I is a mandatory, structured process that takes place over a two year period (starting at age 12) which reviews existing student information to assess basic skills and determine a student's interests. It is a team process to help students, parents and staff focus on the realistic positive outcomes available to the student upon completion of his/her secondary education. Information should be included in the development of each student's IEP for the following school year.
A Level II is not mandated and is a formal assessment using a normed/standardized instrument that requires a trained educational professional, tests for skills and abilities, and is a (minimum) 3-5 hours of hands-on evaluation activities. The Level II assessment is used to obtain additional information when the information from the Level I is not sufficient to make a career programming decision.
A Level III (situational assessment) is not mandated and utilizes work, real or simulated, as the basis for assessment. It is performed by individuals with vocational assessment experience over a (minimum) 10 days and provides the opportunity to assess the student's social skills in the work environment. It may be used whenever needed or when the Level II assessment did not yield sufficient information to make a career programming decision. It may also be done without performing a Level II assessment.
