What are some effective ways to use data from CBM to inform your RTI decisions and interventions?

1 Understand CBM data

CBM data can tell you how well your students are learning the core curriculum, how they compare to their peers, and how they respond to different levels of instruction and support. To understand CBM data, you need to know how to administer and score CBM probes, how to graph and analyze CBM scores, and how to interpret CBM norms and benchmarks. You also need to be familiar with the types and purposes of CBM, such as screening, progress monitoring, and diagnostic assessment.

2 Use CBM data for screening

CBM data can help you identify students who are at risk of academic failure and who may need additional intervention. You can use CBM data for screening at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year, or more frequently if needed. You can compare your students' CBM scores to grade-level benchmarks or norms, and use cut-off scores or decision rules to determine which students need further assessment or intervention. You can also use CBM data to monitor the effectiveness of your core curriculum and instruction for all students.

3 Use CBM data for progress monitoring

CBM data can help you monitor the progress of your students who are receiving intervention and adjust your instruction accordingly. You can use CBM data for progress monitoring at regular intervals, such as weekly or biweekly, depending on the intensity and duration of the intervention. You can graph your students' CBM scores over time and use trend lines, goal lines, and decision rules to evaluate their growth and responsiveness. You can also use CBM data to compare the progress of different groups of students, such as those receiving different types or levels of intervention.

4 Use CBM data for diagnostic assessment

CBM data can help you diagnose the specific strengths and weaknesses of your students who are struggling with the core curriculum and who may need more intensive or individualized intervention. You can use CBM data for diagnostic assessment when you need more information about your students' academic skills, such as their error patterns, fluency, comprehension, or strategy use. You can also use CBM data to identify the instructional level, materials, and objectives that are appropriate for your students' needs and goals.

5 Use CBM data for communication and collaboration

CBM data can help you communicate and collaborate with other educators, parents, and students about your students' academic performance and intervention plans. You can use CBM data to share your students' progress, challenges, and successes with other teachers, specialists, administrators, or support staff who are involved in your RTI team. You can also use CBM data to inform and involve parents and students in the RTI process, such as by explaining the purpose and results of CBM, setting and reviewing goals, and providing feedback and encouragement.

6 Use CBM data for evaluation and decision making

CBM data can help you evaluate and make decisions about your RTI practice and outcomes. You can use CBM data to determine the effectiveness and fidelity of your intervention and instruction, and to make changes or adaptations as needed. You can also use CBM data to decide when to move your students to different tiers or levels of intervention, when to exit your students from intervention, or when to refer your students for further assessment or special education services.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?