Systematic Progress Monitoring of Individualized Education Program Goals in Mathematics

Abstract

The review of Endrew F. v. Douglas County School District case revealed that an individualized education program (IEP) requires inclusion of specific measurable goals to ensure educational benefit. The purpose of this article was to provide a systematic approach to progress monitoring IEP goals in mathematics, which monitors whether a student is benefiting from the mathematics instruction being provided. Using curriculum-based measures (CBM) is discussed as a feasible tool for monitoring the progress of students and creating specific measurable IEP goals. The article includes step-by-step strategies and guidelines for teachers to collect CBM data, create strategic IEP goals, and evaluate student progress.

A Teacher’s Toolkit for Assessment When Implementing Data-Based Individualization in Mathematics

“…Teachers should use a general outcome measure rather than a mastery measure, which usually assesses only a subset of specific skills (i.e., short-term measures). With mathematics, progress-monitoring measures typically contain problem types representing content across the year's curriculum (Rojo et al, 2022). Because these measures are intended to be given frequently, they must be short but sensitive to student change.…”

Indicators of Progress in the Wake of Endrew F.: The Distinction Between Professional Recommendations and Judicial Rulings

“…Yet, a careful and objective reading of the Endrew F. decision changed the Rowley standard only to a general and no more precise formulation, expressing disagreement only with the Tenth Circuit's low-level interpretation of Rowley, not Rowley itself. Similarly, and more specific to progress measurement, Rojo et al (2021) characterized Endrew F. as providing "a new [and "high"] standard for documenting and ensuring student growth" (p. 328). Yet, the Endrew F. court did not enunciate any specific standard for documentation beyond the Rowley formulation and reiterated the Rowley disclaimer of ensuring any particular level of growth.…”