Caseload AnalysisBy: Carmen Willings
teachingvisuallyimpaired.com Updated March 10, 2018 An important component of program management involves caseload analysis to determine the need for changes in staffing based on current students and projection for growth with population changes. An analysis can be a snapshot of a typical week or a month. It should factor in direct service time as well as consultation, material production, case-manager duties, and travel. While it is common for a teacher’s workload to be considered by the number of students they teach, this does not apply to Teachers of the Visually Impaired as their caseload crosses all subject areas, all grade levels, and students with multiple disabilities. Some students require regular direct instruction while other students require only monthly or quarterly consultation. Caseload Factors to ConsiderThe unique accessibility and learning needs of students assess a caseload based only on the number of students not an appropriate measure of time needed to perform the job. Blindness and low vision have a tremendous impact on every aspect of a student’s learning and each student has unique and diverse needs. Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments must teach students in all areas related to the Expanded Core Curriculum that are appropriate for that student. This includes the need for specialized instruction in concept development, compensatory access, sensory efficiency, instruction in assistive technology, activities of daily living, social development, recreation and leisure, career education and self determination. In addition, they must collaborate with teachers and therapists to adapt the materials, environment and the curriculum.
The Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) having adequate time to:
Conducting a periodic caseload analysis can provide administrators with an understanding of the TVI's time and consider the need for expanding the program. As districts grow, or otherwise change, the service needs change. The data from the caseload analysis will reflect what changes are needed and thus provide quality control. Some of the tools for caseload analysis can be detailed and daunting to say the least. They will yield valuable information, but if you need a simple and quick tool to balance caseloads, I have found the TSBVI Staffing Patterns (adapted from the IOWA rules for SpEd) to be a helpful tool. If you are looking for a more detailed analysis, consider the QPVI identified below. Caseload Analysis ToolsQuality Programs for the Visually Impaired (QPVI) forms and guidelines can be used by both Teachers of Students with Visual Impairments (TVI's) and Orientation & Mobility (O&M) Specialists
The APSEA Guidelines for Determining Caseload Size for TVI's provides guidelines and suggestions for administrators when assigning students to an itinerant teacher. Supervisors should consider:
The Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired also has a resource page on Caseload Analysis Guidelines as part of the Administrators Toolkit. The page includes assumptions, why it is important to conduct a caseload analysis and what should be taken into consideration.
![]() Tips for Being a "Physically Fit" TVI Recorded Presentation
$25.00
Itinerant teaching is very rewarding, but it can present many challenges as well. TVI’s must be able to work well with a variety of personalities to best support students and their teams. It is just as essential to be organized, flexible, reliable, and a team player as it is to be knowledgeable in your field. Seeking out professional development opportunities, developing a professional support system and continually striving to excel will foster growth in all TVI’s whether new to the field or those with years of experience. The intent of this session is to provide strategies for itinerant TVI’s to excel in their careers by providing specific strategies to improve their effectiveness as an itinerant VI professional. ​​This hour-long presentation is packed full of tips and strategies from Carmen Willings who has been a full time Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments for over 20 years. This webinar is perfect for TVI's just entering the field and for all TVI's as they start the new school year! Objectives:
Ways to Access the Presentation
Request a Certificate of Completion To receive a certificate of completion for 1 contact hour, complete the short "Be A Physically Fit TVI" quiz on Google Forms and receive a score of at least 80%. Don't worry. If you don't pass, you can look over your notes or re-watch the presentation and retake the test! If you have any accessibility issues with the form, please don't hesitate to let me know and we can make other arrangements.  System Requirements: Presentations are recorded PowerPoint presentations. You must be able to access PowerPoint to view the PowerPointpresentation. Please note that the presentation pages are closed member pages available to individuals who have purchase access to the presentation. *Please contact me if you need to purchase using a purchase order. I am happy to help guide you in the process of adding Teaching Students with Visual Impairments as an approved vendor for your school or program or you can visit the product support page for information on using a PO. "Work with enthusiasm, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people." Ephesians 6:7 |
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