Example Diagnostic Tools

Example Diagnostic Tools

Diagnostic tools provide data to assist educators in designing individualized instruction and intensifying intervention for students who do not respond to validated intervention programs. Diagnostic tools can be either informal, which are easy-to-use tools that can be administered with little training, or standardized, which must be delivered in a standard way by trained staff. Teams may find it helpful to initially consider using more informal and easily accessible diagnostic tools and data to avoid loss of instructional time. Standardized diagnostic tools, which require more time to administer and interpret, may be required for students who continually demonstrate a lack of response or who require special education.

The table below provides examples of common diagnostic data sources that may be used in the DBI process. The purpose of the table is to provide an illustrative sampling of literacy, math, and behavior diagnostic tools available at no charge to educators. The table’s content is not comprehensive and the tools should not be viewed as NCII recommended. Unlike our behavior progress monitoring tools chart and academic progress monitoring tools chart, these diagnostic tools have not been independently evaluated by an NCII Technical Review Committee.

If you need assistance in selecting, administering, or interpreting a diagnostic tool, check out our training resources here.

 

 
Literacy Mathematics Behavior

Examples of Common Diagnostic Data Sources

  • Error analysis of literacy progress monitoring data
  • Phonics Inventory
  • Running records
  • Intervention- or curricula-specific diagnostic tools
  • Word list reading (e.g., Dolch, Fry, curriculum sight word lists)
  • Analysis of student work (e.g., classroom assignments, work samples, tests)
  • Observation and anecdotal notes
  • Student or family interviews or checklists about reading behaviors

 

Examples of Published Tools for Diagnostic Assessment

Examples of Common Diagnostic Data Sources

 

 

Examples of Common Diagnostic Data Sources

Identifying Function

1.Interview Protocols, Checklists, and Planning Tools 2.Observational Tools and Collecting Anecdotal Evidence

 

Identifying Appropriate Reinforcers

 

Examples of Published Tools for Diagnostic Assessment

 

Related Resources

Link

Diagnostic Data

Training Module

Informal Academic Diagnostic Assessment: Using Data to Guide Intensive Instruction

Training Module

Using FBA for Diagnostic Assessment in Behavior

See more


TIP FROM THE FIELD

Teachers can conduct an error analysis of academic progress monitoring data to identify potential causes for the student’s non-response.