Autism program quality indicators: A self-review and quality improvement guide for schools and programs serving students with autism spectrum disorders.

This publication provides Autism Program Quality Indicators (APQI), intended as a self-review and quality improvement guide for schools and programs serving students with autism spectrum disorders. The APQI were developed by the New York Autism Network at the request of the New York State Education Department. The APQI promote the goal that all students in New York State receive special education that meets high educational standards by providing benchmarks of quality programs that result in successful outcomes for students with autism. The APQI are a compilation of research-based components that have been linked to high quality and effective educational program for students with autism. The APQI uses a four-point rating system, plus a not applicable rating, to evaluate the following 14 areas: individual evaluation, development of the Individualized Education Program, curriculum, instructional activities, instructional methods, instructional environments, review and monitoring of progress and outcomes, family involvement and support, inclusion, planning the move from one setting to another, challenging behavior, community collaboration, personnel, and program evaluation. Each of the 14 areas is described by a single summary sentence, followed by more specific quality indicators. A summary table at the end of the scale allows programs to identify strengths and weaknesses