• Progress Monitoring

    What is progress monitoring?

     

    Progress monitoring is a scientifically based practice that is used to assess students' academic performance and evaluate the effectiveness of instruction. Progress monitoring can be implemented with individual students or an entire class.

    How does progress monitoring work?
    To implement progress monitoring, the student's current levels of performance are determined and goals are identified for learning that will take place over time. The student's academic performance is measured on a regular basis (weekly, biweekly, or monthly). Progress toward meeting the student's goals is measured by comparing expected and actual rates of learning. Based on these measurements, teaching is adjusted as needed. Thus, the student's progression of achievement is monitored and instructional techniques are adjusted to meet the individual students learning needs.
     
    What are the benefits of progress monitoring?
    When progress monitoring is implemented correctly, the benefits are great for everyone involved. Some benefits include:
    • accelerated learning because students are receiving more appropriate instruction;
    • more informed instructional decisions;
    • documentation of student progress for accountability purposes;
    • more efficient communication with families and other professionals about students' progress;
    • higher expectations for students by teachers; and
    • fewer Special Education referrals.

    Overall, the use of progress monitoring results in more efficient and appropriately targeted instructional techniques and goals, which together, move all students to faster attainment of important state standards of achievement.

    Who should be doing progress monitoring?

    Anyone who is interested in improving results for children should be implementing progress monitoring. Whether you are a regular educator, special educator, related service provider, administrator, or family member, you should be interested in implementing research-based progress monitoring practices.