The VB-MAPP (Verbal Behavior Milestones Assessment and Placement Program) is a special education assessment that is based on verbal behavior milestones. Typically given to children with autism and/or language delays, the assessment provides information about student development. It is helpful in understanding student progress, informing IEP goals, and designing ABA programs. Read on for more info about what the VB-MAPP entails, and tips for making the assessment easy!
How to Administer the VB-MAPP
The VB-MAPP contains several pieces that can be used to track a child’s development. Here is some specific information about what the assessment entails.
Components of the Assessment
There are several assessments that are part of the entire VB-MAPP protocol. These are the Milestones Assessment, Barriers Assessment, Transitions Assessment, and Task Analysis and Skills Tracking. After scoring each section, the Placement and Goal Development component helps you and your team to target specific needs and create goals and programs for the students based on their results.
Materials for the VB-MAPP
The assessment uses a variety of materials There are kits you can buy with everything you need to give the VB-MAPP. However, it is likely that you have most of the items available in your classroom, or can borrow items from home or from colleagues. A few of the common items used to give the assessment include toys such as dolls; puzzles in a variety of difficulties; blocks; identical matching objects; picture cards; and drawing materials.
VB-MAPP Tips
Here are some tips for administering the VB-MAPP in an easy and effective way!
Prepare The Environment
Before giving the assessment, it is important to prepare your testing environment. Gather all of the materials you will need, your assessment papers, and reinforcers for the student. Find an area or time of day when distractions are at a minimum so that you can discern the most accurate responses.
Consider a Natural Environment Approach
Natural Environment Teaching (NET) is a teaching approach that lets learning occur in the surroundings a child is familiar with, not just in designated work areas. NET could mean incorporating teaching skills into a child’s preferred playtime task, such as playing with trains. The NET approach is great for compiling some of your assessment data! VB-MAPP allows for both direct testing and observation to inform your scores. Creating a playful environment will help your student feel comfortable with the tasks you are presenting to them, and you will be able to observe a variety of skills in this way.
Recording Responses
Each student you are testing should have their own copy of the protocol. This document may follow them for some time, because the test is usually given every 4-6 months in order to see how students are growing. The Milestones and Barriers assessment have spots to mark four rounds of results. Using a different color pen or pencil for each round will help you keep track of student progress.
There is also an official VB-MAPP app that can help with scoring and reporting. If you are administering to many children, it may be worth looking into!
Plan for Reinforcement
It is important to use positive reinforcement to keep your learners motivated! Using a variable reinforcement schedule is known to be effective for maintaining behavior. And, give breaks as needed to keep your students from burning out. A first/then board will help your students know that they can anticipate a break. This will ensure that you get the most accurate data and can create the best goals for your students!
Do you use the VB-MAPP with your students? Share your tips for administering the assessment!
