Use of Goal Attainment Scaling to Measure Educational and Rehabilitation Improvements in Children with Multiple Disabilities

Abstract

With a focus on children with multiple disabilities (CMD), the purpose of this quality improvement project was to elevate educational measurement and practices involving CMD. Using the goal attainment scaling (GAS) methodology, this project was conducted within a public charter school, Pattison’s Academy for Comprehensive Education (PACE), focusing on 31 CMD and measuring student improvement and program effectiveness. For 2010–2011 and 2011–2012, improvements were demonstrated for the majority of CMD by meeting or exceeding their goals. Goal attainment scaling was able to capture improvement in educational and rehabilitation goals in the majority of CMD. Goal attainment scaling can provide an indication of a program’s effectiveness. The use of GAS in CMD has potential to maximize participation across the school setting where all children in the United States commonly develop and learn skills as well as find meaning.

Keywords

• children with multiple disabilities
• goal attainment scaling
• quality of life
• individual education program