Proposed Evaluation and Admissions Process

The grandfathering period for admission into IASI has been extended to June, 2004, when we will be ready to administer an exam to new applicants. During the intervening time, we will ask current members (and those joining prior to the close of the grandfathering period) to take the written portion of the test for purposes of feedback and clarification. This will help refine the test process, and develop a fair admissions procedure for future members.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the exam process is to determine that the candidate has:

1. Sufficient prior training in the relevant subjects to qualify for the exam
2. Knowledge of the science basis for SI and the details of the 10-session protocol
3. Skills in bodyreading and palpatory assessment, and the ability to create a session or series strategy based on those findings
4. A wide vocabulary of techniques, and ability to apply those techniques with good contact and sensitivity
5. Sufficient maturity to practice within ethical and professional guidelines

METHOD

The proposed method for assessing qualifications of applicants after the June, 2004 grandfathering period, will be a 3-day seminar conducted by two teachers from different SI schools. Class content will include an A & P and SI recipe exam. It will also provide opportunities for candidates to give and receive work, and demonstrate skills in developing and assessing session strategies. There will also be time dedicated to exploring ethical and professional issues relevant to the practice of SI.

There will be a second track for assessment of practitioners for whom distance from scheduled seminars is a problem. This evaluation will consist of an open-book, essay type exam to cover the A & P and SI recipe. The practicum will consist of an evaluation of the applicants hands-on and professional skills through the observation of sessions by two IASI members.

EVALUATION

Criteria for assessing readiness as a candidate will include:

1. ability to use anatomical and structural language to describe body posture and use patterns
2. ability to create a coherent session strategy using results of visual and palpatory assessment
3. ability to address tissue effectively and appropriately with hands, forearms, fingers
4. ability to feel and assess different tissue conditions, as well as contraindications for work
5. ability to make appropriate contact with client
6. ability to demonstrate professional demeanor and psychological competence necessary to clear and effective practice

FUTURE GOALS

While developing the current testing process, IASI is working to develop a psychometrically valid exam that will be similar in scope to that administered by NCBTMB exam. This type of exam is frequently required by legislative bodies to grant licensure to a group of practitioners. This is a lengthy and expensive process, but one which we must undertake in order to help validate Structural Integration as a body of work separate in identity from massage therapy. Meantime, we are trying to develop a fair assessment process, one that is perceived by most SI practitioners to be thorough without being exclusionary.

QUESTIONS/COMMENTS

If you have questions or comments about the proposed exam process, please contact Marilyn Beech at the IASI toll-free number: 1-877-The-IASI (843-4274) or email at [email protected]. If you would like to help develop the current or future exam, the committee is now forming. Contact Marilyn and let her know you are interested!