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What is QPVI?
QPVI is a model for providing technical assistance to public schools and schools for the blind in improving services for students with visual impairments. Establishing standards of practice, uniformity of practice and program accountability are all central to QPVI Outcomes. Data collected during the process is used to establish baselines for professional practice, accountability, and to mark progress toward identified standards of excellence.
Who participates?
The QPVI process is typically directed by a regional or state VI consultant or master practitioner. The participating district/regional program is represented by the VI supervisor and all VI instructional staff.
Why participate?
For administrators:
The program becomes process/data driven, rather than personnel driven, resulting in program strength and accountability.
For teachers:
Effectiveness and job satisfaction increase dramatically when outcomes move from perception to data.
For students and parents:
The result is consistency in instruction, improved student outcomes and greater access to the general education curriculum.
Where is it being used?
The program was developed in and for Texas and has been used in 17 regions since 1985. Several states, including Washington, Iowa, Kentucky, Georgia, Arizona, Kansas, Oregon, Massachussetts, Florida, Michigan, New Mexico, Louisiana, and Washington D.C. have adapted it to their needs. Information about these efforts is available upon request. QPVI content has also formed the basis for two preservice and several comprehensive professional development initiatives. A model project adapting QPVI for use in schools for the blind began at the Iowa Braille and Sight Saving School in 2002. QPVI Special Schools is in use at the Georgia Academy for the Blind and Kansas State School for the Blind.
When do we start?
The process typically begins in early fall. Approximately one half-day per month, for ten months is the estimated time required by school staff to start the process. Implementing the full process takes approximately 3 years. The time devoted to the process is equivalent to that of traditional program supervision.
How do we start?
In Texas, this service may be available through your local Education Service Center, or the TSBVI Outreach Program. Outside of Texas, contact Nancy Toelle directly or through her website: www.QPVI.com Contact info: (512) 494-8658 (phone/fax), or send her an email here
Arrangements to include out-of-state participants in our annual training sessions, held every January, may be made with approval of the Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired. Training out-of-state is available with ongoing consultation from Ms. Toelle.
The 3 Phases of Quality Programs are:
Phase One is a self-study of key program components. These include: a "master list" of students (a sustainable database), student eligibility, unique student needs (including the expanded core curriculum), staff roles/responsibilities, type and amount of VI service, staff/caseloads (including a process for caseload analysis), and measuring student results. Data collection and quality standards are priorities.
Phase Two is a process for developing action steps to document program strengths, address deficits, and track results. Activities include:improving itinerant instruction, adopting methods for measuring student outcomes, compiling a program handbook, developing methods for equitable allocation of caseloads, etc. Annual validity checks sustaining the Master List and repeating caseload analyses track accountability data.
Phase Three is an effort by VI and administrative staff to maintain quality programming, to be proactive rather than reactive, to foster program growth and development, and to meet changing student needs. Focus on: the role of the coordinator as program monitor and the use of student outcomes in planning. Also act to perpetuate and update standards developed by VI staff and administration working together.
What are other people saying?
>"The Visually Impaired Program planning process (QPVI)... has enabled us to insure appropriate, quality service for our visually handicapped students. Our program is now organized so we understand our common goals and how they are to be accomplished. I feel such a process would benefit any public school Visually Handicapped program."
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>Special Education Director
>San Antonio ISD, San Antonio, Texas
>-Billie Miles
>"...to ensure the rights of all blind and visually impaired infants, children, and youth, professionals must do more than react to crises; the must become proactive."
>"The unique needs of blind and visually impaired students must be understood by all service providers-including regular education teachers, administrators, and legislators."
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>Program Planning and Evaluation for Visually Impaired Students
>-American Foundation for the Blind
>"In order to evaluate and improve special education services, schools must monitor performance that is clearly tied to a set of identified standards."
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>Addressing Unique Educational Needs of Individuals With Disabilities:
>-Disability Research Systems
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Who developed the program?
Nancy Toelle is a 1970 graduate of the University of Texas program for teachers of the visually impaired, studying under Dr. Natalie Barraga. She earned a master's degree in Special Education Curriculum and Instruction from Texas A&I University.
Ms. Toelle has been a teacher at the Texas School for the Blind and in the Corpus Christi, Coppell, Caldwell County, and East Williamson County Texas public schools. She served at the Education Service Center, Region 20 in San Antonio for 10 years as their VI Project Coordinator. Her experience in the field spans over 40 years. Now living in Austin, Texas, she is on staff part-time as TSBVI Outreach Statewide Coordinator for QPVI. She provides training and consulting services to states adapting the QPVI process to their needs.
Want more information? There’s a QPVI Article in JVIB:
>Program Accountability for Students Who Are Visually Impaired”. It’s in the Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, the February 2008 issue, Volume 102, Number 2 and also can be found online @ http://www.afb.org/afbpress/pubjvib.asp?docid=jvib020205 . If you have a subscription, it is free.
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