Identifying Assessments

Identifying Assessments

Assessment is an essential part of the data-based individualization (DBI) process and a multi-tiered system of support (MTSS). Without technically sound assessment, which provides accurate, meaningful information, a teacher has no objective method for determining what a student needs or how to intensify instruction to meet those needs. The close connection between assessment and intervention is at the foundation of the DBI process. This connection is what drives teacher decision making. With the right assessment tools and guidance on how to use them, teachers can make sound, data-based decisions about who needs intensive intervention, when to make instructional changes, and what skills to focus on.

In the tables below, find resources to support the selection and evaluation of screening, progress monitoring and diagnostic assessments.

Screening

Accurate universal screening sets the foundation for a successful tiered system of support and understanding student risk levels. In some cases, screening can be used to identify students who need intensive intervention right away.

Progress Monitoring

With progress monitoring, assessment is used to measure growth for students already at risk for poor learning or behavioral outcomes. Decision rules provided by the progress monitoring tool tell teachers when they should make an intervention change.

Diagnostic Assessment

Diagnostic assessment tools help teachers identify a student’s specific skill deficits and/or behavioral challenges, so that they can make targeted, individualized, and data-driven changes to the student's intervention program.

Related Resources

Tools/Tips

Selecting an MTSS Data System

 

Learn more about intensive intervention and the steps in the DBI process

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TIP FROM THE FIELD

Progress monitoring data can be used for diagnostic purposes, by incorporating an error analysis.