This article describes recent efforts to develop a reading diagnostic analysis to be used in conjunction with curriculum-based measurement for informing teachers how to refocus their instruction to address individual needs. A detailed example with data charts and student reports shows application in one second grade class. (Contains references.)…

This article first examines problems in developing individualized education programs (IEPs) for students with disabilities by focusing on violations of the IEP process. It then discusses the three major components of the IEP, assessment, program development, and monitoring student progress. A case study illustrates use of curriculum-based…

This article provides a brief overview of general outcome measurement and its potential for assessment of continuous progress in early childhood education. It describes an eight-step research and development process for the generating and evaluating of individual growth and development indicators. These indicators are adaptable across children,…

This article outlines a five-step process for use in selecting and adopting curriculum-based measures designed to facilitate a linked system approach and promote family-centered, collaborative, early childhood intervention practices. Within a linked system approach, assessment information guides the development of goals and objectives, which in…

This article provides a proactive functional assessment and intervention framework for addressing challenging behaviors in young children. A three-tiered model is described that outlines prevention on the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels and remediation strategies that may be used to ameliorate challenging behaviors demonstrated by young…

This article discusses how practitioners can link assessment to action when planning communication interventions for young children with disabilities. It reviews communication components and discusses strategies for collecting information that may be especially useful in the domain of communication. Strategies for turning assessment information…

Given the limited use of social competence assessments by teachers, this article briefly reviews three assessment strategies for preschool children, developmental and curriculum-based assessment, direct observation, and peer relations and friendship assessment. A modified performance-based assessment of peer-related social competence is…

This article provides in-depth information regarding the most commonly used instruments for the screening or diagnosis of autistic spectrum disorders. Reliability, validity, format, and target population are presented to help clinicians select appropriate diagnostic measures. Future directions in the development of new instruments are discussed.…

A study investigated whether the use of American Sign Language as an accommodation affected the validity of standards-based assessments given in 12 classrooms of students with hearing impairments. Findings indicate sign language translation can result in the omission of pertinent information required to answer test items correctly. Suggestions are…

These steps are described for implementation: inform stakeholders of the importance of alternate assessments, educate all students to high standards, identify partners to support participants, use a practical process to decide eligibility, develop standards-based Individualized Education Programs, use a variety of assessment strategies, use scores…

This article examines the legal requirements of assessing students with disabilities, especially students with emotional and behavioral disorders (EBD). It reviews assessment legislation and litigation in special education and explains specific requirements for assessing students with EBD. The article also examines school districts' obligations…

This article presents the career/vocational assessment process as a critical component of transition planning for students with disabilities. It provides an overview of career/vocational assessment, methods of gathering assessment information, issues to consider, people involved in the assessment process, and recommendations for career/vocational…

This article addresses various methods of assessment and support of social competence in school and the community to prepare individuals with mild to moderate disabilities for adulthood. It emphasizes that transition planning and preparation is a continual process that begins in early school experiences and continues through adulthood. (Contains…

Self-determination is an important component of transition services and prompting this outcome requires that educators use assessment both to design instruction and provide information about instructional effectiveness. This article introduces self-determination as a critical transition outcome, examines assessment issues, and overviews practices,…

This article provides an overview of policymaking in relation to state and local district testing and accountability and concludes by identifying continuing policy issues and strategies for local implementation of standards-based secondary education that aligns with current testing and accountability policies. Governance models for curriculum…