Quality Programs for Students With Visual Impairments (QPVI)

QPVI is a process for schools to develop and/ or improve their services for students with visual impairments. Establishing standards of practice, uniformity of practice and program accountability are all central to QPVI Outcomes. QPVI was developed in Texas with the assistance of the TEA, ESC VI consultants and TSBVI Outreach staff.

Who participates?

The process is directed by an Education Service Center or TSBVI Outreach Consultant along with a member of the district or co-op administrative staff. With the VI staff, this comprises the 'work team', who act jointly to complete the process.

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.

How do we start?

This service may be available through your local Education Service Center, or the TSBVI Outreach Program. Contact the developer, Nancy Toelle at (512) 494-8658 (phone/fax), or send her an email at nmt10@sbcglobal.net.

The 3 Phases of Quality Programs are:

Phase One is a self-study of key program components, including a "master list" of students, student eligibility, staff roles/responsibilities, unique student needs, type and amount of VI service, staff/caseloads, and measuring student results. Data collection and quality standards are priorities.

Phase Two is a process for documenting program strengths, addressing deficits, and tracking results.

Phase Three is designing systems to maintain quality programming.

Want more information?

The Journal of Visual Impairment and Blindness, February 2008 issue, Vol. 102, No. 2, discusses QPVI in the article, ”Program Accountability for Students Who Are Visually Impaired.”

Visit the QPVI website.

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Last Revision: August 10, 2009