Students need to be tested individually, rather than in a group situation. The pre-posttest consists of a writing test. The student is asked to write the sentences dictated by the teacher, by choosing picture symbols from an array and arranging them on the sentence board. The materials needed to perform the instructions should NOT be present during the writing test. An example of a trial of the writing test is presented below.
Teacher presents an array of symbols and a sentence board.
Student writes by choosing symbols and placing them on the sentence board. Teacher praises attempts to write as well as correct writing. Additional reinforcement can be used if this is typically needed with the student, or if the student is experiencing a lot of stress. Teacher marks the data sheet giving credit for each correct symbol the student chooses, and for putting words in the correct order. Teacher then presents a new array and moves on to the next sentence.