MECA (Microcomputer Evaluation of Careers and Academics) is an age-appropriate transition, career exploration, career assessment and vocational assessment system related to training, education and employment.
Software Components
- Identifies interests (The Interest Indicator)
- Assesses interests and aptitudes (Work Samples)
- Assesses academic/basic skills for the workplace (Learning Assessment Programs)
- Creates post-secondary goals (The Career Planner)
- Assesses and teaches goal setting and self-advocacy (Personal Responsibility)
- Assesses and teaches social/emotional learning (The Success Profiler)
- Teaches functional, life, social, literacy and work skills (Functional Skills System)
- Results can be used to create a transition IEP and Summary of Performance
The multimedia delivery of all assessments and curriculum makes MECA unique in the marketplace. Using the computer as an assessment and instructional delivery tool benefits the user by allowing the system to focus on each individual user’s interests, abilities and needs. Users also gain valuable work-related skills by using industry-standard software applications. All user instruction, including program administrator checkpoints and notes, are built into the software.
Curriculum Management System
All assessments and instruction are electronically integrated into our management system. This allows for a seamless program integration from interest testing to the assigning, delivery, benchmarking, tracking, and creating a transition IEP and a Summary of Performance. This eliminates the expensive and time-consuming activities of scoring and reporting results, and frees up the program administrator to help where needed. Program accountability is electronically built into the system. At the touch of a button, all user records can be compiled and printed.
Software Features
- Over 30 years of research and development
- Makes real-world applications of tested competencies
- Correlates to all 50 state content standards
- Multimedia format (live video and audio)
- Tasks are broken down into a simple, step-by-step format
- All programs include an audio option for low and non-readers
- Available in English and Spanish
- Integrates academic and technical skills
- Windows and Macintosh versions available
- Facilitates IEP and transition planning
- Creates a transition IEP and Summary of Performance
- Comprehensive management system for complete program accountability
- Can be used as an alternative assessment
- Contains PDFs for print versions of each component
- Apporximately 10-12 hours of activities per career area
Research
There is over 25 years of research that has gone into this program. Click here to view a research report. (NOTE: this is a large file and may take awhile to download)
System Requirements
- Windows Version
- Windows XP SP2 or better, Vista or Windows 7
- Pentium or AMD processor (1Ghz or better recommended)
- 1024×768 Display Resolution
- 128MB RAM (256MB or better recommended)
- Sound Card and Speakers
- CD/DVD-ROM Drive
*The Computer Graphics and Graphic Design Work Samples require the use of Adobe Photoshop Elements and the Digital Video Producer Work Sample requires the use of Adobe Premiere Elements. Please visit adobe.com to view the system requirements for the required software to make sure it is compatible with your computer.
- Macintosh Version
- OS X or better (10.4 or better recommended)
- PowerPC or Intel Processor (G4 or better recommended)
- 1024×768 Display Resolution
- 128MB RAM (256 or better recommended)
- Sound Card and Speakers
- CD/DVD-ROM Drive
How It Works
The system begins with a quick screening of interests (THE INTEREST INDICATOR). The results are then electronically scored and…
…stored. The management system then assigns activities for the user.
The management system then delivers all assigned hands-on activities (WORK SAMPLES)…
…as well as job-specific, academic/basic skills assessments (LEARNING ASSESSMENT PROGRAMS).
The system includes career planning and a career portfolio for post-secondary goal setting (THE CAREER PLANNER).
The system assesses user self-determination skills related to setting and achieving academic and career goals (PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY).
The system also assesses user social/emotional skills in learning, leadership, change, teamwork, sensitivity, and violence prevention (THE SUCCESS PROFILER) and functional life, social, literacy and work skills (FUNCTIONAL SKILLS SYSTEM)…
…then scores, interprets and assigns skill-enhancement activities based on assessment results…
…and finally delivers skill-enhancement activities. Learned skills, if practiced, become habits in 21 days.
While doing all this, the management system is tracking, scoring, benchmarking, storing and printing information on each user in the system.
