1. Curriculum Based Measurement (CBM)
Taking a Problem Solving Approach to Teaching
Designed by
Debra Caywood-Rukas
6-02

2. Facts
All children do not learn the same. Determining the optimal instructional level reduces frustration and behavior problems
40% of fourth grade children fell below grade level in 1998
74% of children receive special education services in general education classrooms with or without resource support
IDEA and Section 504 require schools to make classroom accommodations for children with learning and behavior support needs
Facts from U..S. Department of Education

3. What are CBM’s?
A systematic and efficient way to solve learning and/or behavior problems
Uses grade level curriculum criterion and student portfolios to measure skills, not standardized tests
Utilizes data-based decision making
Directly links assessment to interventions
Data compares child to the child’s ability (baseline) and school/grade/classroom norms

4. Data Collecting and Problem Solving Process
Define the problem(s) in observable and measurable terms
Which problems have the highest priority? (2-3 max)
What are the desired replacement behaviors?
Potential hypotheses that explain why the student might be engaging in the behaviors/not replacement behaviors
Questions that need to be answered in order to confirm hypotheses
Intervention ideas
Evaluation procedure

5. The Data Tells You if it’s Working
Assesses the effectiveness of the intervention
Facilitates data-based decisions
Documents intervention attempts
Tracks baseline and progress and evaluates interventions
Student outcomes improves when performance is assessed and data are recorded regularly

6. How Does CBM Help Teachers?
Uses your teaching expertise in determining learning and behavior problems
Can be integrated into the curriculum
Data provides teacher accountability showing skills levels and remediation attempts
Supports teacher, parent and student collaboration process
Supports diverse learners in compliance with IDEA 97 and Section 504

7. For ALL Students; General and Special Education Students
Students can track their progress
Student outcomes improve when performance is assessed regularly
Student and teacher work together to create an optimal environment for learning
Student takes responsibility; fairness of goals creates partnership
Receives support and resources without delay
Reduces academic/classroom frustrations

8. Who will administer CBM’s? Will it add to teacher workload?
General/special education teachers, administrators, parents, social workers, associates, psychologists and other trained personnel can administer CBM’s
Most CBM’s take minutes to administer to a student
Can be given 3 times a year to monitor progress
Ultimately reduces your workload by providing support and properly directing your efforts

9. Supports Diverse Learners; IDEA 97, Section 504 & Corey H. Requirements
Acknowledges different skill levels in classrooms and addresses the needs of inclusive general education settings
Addresses learning and behavior problems with a problem-solving, ecological and collaborative approach
Provides teachers with the tools and support they need in a timely fashion

10. It’s a Collaborative Effort
Parents
Teacher
Student
Community
School

11. Summary
Provides teacher and student with support without waiting for standardized testing
Students are taught at the appropriate instructional level thereby reducing frustration and associated behaviors
Extra work is minimal, usually 1-3 minute measurements 3 times a year
Provides teachers with data to account for their teaching efforts
Provides teachers with the resources and support needed to teach in an inclusive environment

12. List of some Illinois School Districts & other states involved with CBM and/or Problem Solving Models
LOCAL
North Suburban Special Education Coop (NSSED)
Mount Prospect, District 57
Arlington Heights, District 23
Glenview, District 34
Northbrook, Districts 27, 28, 29, 30
West Northfield, 31
Glencoe, 35
Winnetka, 36, 37
Kenilworth, 38
Wilmette, 39
Lake Bluff, 65
Lake Forest, 67, 115
Bannockburn, 106
Deerfield, 109
North Shore 112
Highland Park/Deerfield 113
New Trier 201
Glenbrook, 225
NATIONAL
Oregon
Kansas Districts 17 and 611, 6000 students
Iowa
Washington
Nebraska
New York
Florida
California

13. CBM Data Speak for Itself!
Resulting in Data-based Decisions

14. Thank You
The End