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gaylbowser@gmail.com
7/15/2014 3:54 PM
I am particularly interested, lately, in what it takes to learn how to use the Communication Matrix well for planning and goal setting for students with complex communication needs. What advice would you give me for instructing a person new to the CM about how to use it effectively?
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0 repliesGayle, do you teach "scoring" during your trainings? I have never addressed the quantitative component of this tool.. Should I?
Karen Natoci - 7/18/2014
0 likes0 repliesI like to step back and look at the profile in full. The visual image of the areas mastered and areas showing emergent abilities allows the team to discuss next steps. During the evaluation process... I think it's important to probe next steps (i.e., symbol type, array, interest areas of the learner) so that you can see stimulability for goal setting. One of the most exciting moments I've shared were during an IEP meeting with parents and the team and we all look at the Matrix together and see the highlighted areas of progress (in different colors) from year to year! It is rare indeed that many of my parents hear the words "progress" ... "gains"... "areas mastered". Having used this repeatedly for 12 years or so, I cannot imagine 'not' using this to formulate goals. I could go on an on! I'll end by saying that I think that the recent overt discussions on augmented input and aided symbol input play a huge role in fostering a child's progress on the Matrix. The best advice I can share is to use a lot of examples of real kiddos.
Karen Natoci - 7/18/2014
1 likes0 repliesThat's a great question! The first two things I usually suggest to a new user are (a) to read the handbook (the PDF may be downloaded from the home page: www.communicationmatrix.org and b) to hit the "Try It Now" button, also on the home page. When you use Try It Now, you can complete an entire Matrix, but it won't be saved, so you can't go back and update it.
charity.rowland@gmail.com - 7/16/2014
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Many teachers require their college students in communication disorders or child development classes to complete a Communication Matrix online. Please have your students use the Test Drive site for this purpose. You may ask them to print out the Profile and Communication Skills List as proof of their work.
The only way I know that he wants something is because he fusses or whines when he's unhappy or uncomfortable, and he smiles, makes noises or calms down when he's happy and comfortable. Does this statement describe your child?
She doesn't come to me to let me know what she wants, but it's easy for me to figure out, because she tries to do things for herself. She knows what she wants, and her behavior shows me what she wants. If she runs out of something to eat, she will just try to get more, rather than trying to get me to give her more.
Does this statement describe your child?
He knows how to get me to do something for him. He uses some of the kinds of behaviors below to communicate:
Does this statement describe your child?
Each question you will see is related to a certain message that your child might be able to express using a variety of behaviors. Read the question and decide whether your child is able to express the message described using any of the listed behaviors. If the answer is YES, then you must also decide whether your child has mastered the use of each behavior or whether it is still at an emerging stage. Check either the mastered or emerging box next to any behaviors your child uses to express the message. Use the following definitions to decide whether a behavior is mastered or emerging
– Does this independently most of the time when the opportunity arises
– Does this in a number of di erent contexts, and with di erent people
– Does this inconsistently
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Only does this when prompted or encouraged to do so. Only does this in one or two contexts or with one person.
Each question you will see is related to a certain message that your child might be able to express using a variety of behaviors. Read the question and decide whether your child is able to express the message described using any of the listed behaviors. If the answer is YES, then you must also decide whether your child has mastered the use of each behavior or whether it is still at an emerging stage. Check either the mastered or emerging box next to any behaviors your child uses to express the message. Use the following definitions to decide whether a behavior is mastered or emerging
