Frequently Asked Questions

What is Stages?
What research supports Stages?
Who can use the Stages framework?
(For Professionals) How can I best implement Stages in my school or district?
(For Parents) How can I use Stages to enhance my child's skill development at home?
Do I need to follow the seven Stages in order?
In what formats is Stages assessment software available?
What documentation comes with Stages assessment software?
Can I generate a report from the assessment?
Do you have a demonstration CD that I can evaluate with my colleagues?
Is an evaluation bundle available for professionals?
Can I use the software on a Macintosh® or Windows® computer?
What are the system requirements to run Stages?
Do you offer a discount for ordering several copies for my school/organization?

Q What is Stages?
A Stages is a developmental framework that helps professionals and parents identify learning needs, assess skills and select appropriate software for learners with special needs. The Stages program is based on the work of Madalaine Pugliese, MS, EdS. Ms. Pugliese is a nationally recognized leader in the fields of assistive and instructional technology and has more than 30 years of experience in public education.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q What research supports Stages?
A The Stages philosophy, developed over ten years by Madalaine Pugliese, has been influenced by leaders in education, both general education and special education. These leaders include Jean Piaget, Noam Chomsky, Dr. Mary Wilson, and Barb Adams. The reading, writing and language content of Stages activities has been guided by the research of Patricia Cunningham, Marilyn Adams, Pati King-Debaun, Carolyn Musselwhite, and others. The math activities follow the guidelines of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM). All activities focus on basic, fundamental skills for developing learners.

Complete List of References by Stage: A Summary of Stages Research (PDF 24K)

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q Who can use the Stages framework?
A Stages is designed for use by both professionals and parents with both child- and adult-level learners.

• Educators - identify student skills and modify curriculum access
• School Systems (Administrators) - meet alternative assessment and inclusion goals
• Early Intervention - maintain special needs software library
• Higher Education - prepare learning materials for pre-service professionals
• Speech Pathologists - assess learners' skills, stay current with latest software titles
• Agencies/Group Homes - activities for recreation and practice
• Parents - practice skills at home

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q (For Professionals) How can I best implement Stages in my school or district?
A Once your school or district has purchased Stages Book and Assessment Software, educators and practitioners should participate in the Stages Professional Development Programs - Workshops designed to help school-based special education team members get the most out of the Stages program. Workshops range from an introduction to using Stages to certification as a Stages Evaluator. Encourage your school to build a software library by purchasing curriculum software recommended by Stages and classifying existing software by Stage.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q (For Parents) How can I use Stages to enhance my child's skill development at home?
A Stay informed of your child's Stage by reading the Stages Book. Get to know the software and activities that are appropriate for your child's Stage. If you own a computer that your child can access, purchase curriculum software for skill practice at home.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q Do I need to follow the seven Stages in order?
A The first three Stages are sequential in nature and should be approached this way. Stages Four through Seven are not strictly sequential. For example, a student may be working simultaneously on reading in Stage Five and writing in Stage Seven. Another student may be working on beginning academic readiness skills in Stage Four while mastering appropriate dress in Stage Six.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q In what formats is Stages assessment software available?
A Stages assessment software packages are available in two formats: Stages All-in-One Kit contains all seven Stages on one CD and the User Guide in one 2" binder, convenient for the professional on the go. Stages Standard Kit comes with the software for each Stage on a separate CD and each Stage's User Guide in a separate 1" binder, handy for a team of professionals to share. Each Stage can also be purchased separately, with its own separate CD and User Guide.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q What documentation comes with Stages assessment software?
A Stages comes with a comprehensive User's Guide, which includes many sections of the Stages book. It also includes observation forms, activity checklists, and a software feature comparison chart for each Stage.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q Can I generate a report from the assessment?
A Yes, Stages automatically gathers data about the learner's session. You can print the on-screen report, or save it as a text file. Use Stages Report Wizard to analyze the data saved in the text files and generate graphs and tables that show the learner's progress over time.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q Do you have a demonstration CD that I can evaluate with my colleagues?
A Yes! We have a Sampler CD available at no cost. Call ATI customer service at 800.793.9227 to request one. Or, click here to request the CD online.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q Is an evaluation bundle available for professionals?
A Yes. ATI's Platinum Bundle includes the Mercury or MiniMerc Kit plus Stages Assessment Software (1-7) and Stages Report Wizard, Stages Book, EvaluWare software, Boardmaker and Speaking Dynamically Pro software, 4 different communication board sets, a 256MB FlashDrive, and a wheeled roller-bag case.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q Can I use the software on a Macintosh® or Windows® computer?
A Yes, Stages is cross-platform.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q What are the system requirements to run Stages?
A Macintosh: PowerPC®, System 7.5.3 or later (including OS X), 16 MB or more of available RAM, color monitor with at least 640x480 resolution and CD-ROM drive. Windows: Intel® Pentium® processor or greater, Windows 95/98/NT4/2000/XP, 16 MB or more of available RAM, color monitor with at least 640x480 resolution, and CD-ROM drive.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Q Do you offer a discount for ordering several copies for my school/organization?
A Yes. ATI offers single-user versions as well as 5-, 10-, and 20-pack sets. Please visit our online shop for pricing information.

<< TOP OF PAGE

Viewing PDF files requires that Adobe Acrobat Reader® is installed on your computer. Please click here for a free software download.