We examined the relationship among key instructional process variables and the achievement of students with and without disabilities as measured by both interim and end-of-year summative assessments. Examination of the instructional process data indicated that students with and without disabilities receiving mathematics instruction in the same…

Students with significant disabilities must participate in large-scale assessments, often using an alternate assessment judged against alternate achievement standards. The development and administration of this type of assessment must necessarily balance meaningful participation with accurate measurement. In this study, generalizability theory is…

This study describes validation data for qualitative and quantitative writing measures useful with a full range of students, including special education students, in grades three through five. The study looked for consistent administration and scoring, sensitivity in differentiating groups of students, relation to other accepted assessments, and…

Eight direct scoring indices of written expression were intercorrelated, factor analyzed, and used to predict holistic judgments of writing samples of 172 middle-school students in compensatory/specialized education programs. Strongest predictors of holistic ratings were percentage of words correctly sequenced and percentage of correctly spelled…

A model of special education based on the use of a direct and repeated measurement and evaluation system for developing effective educational programs is described. Two separate studies are included, presenting student outcome data at both the individual and system level, for academic and social behaviors. (Author/CL)

A system-level analysis of the effectiveness of special education was conducted in an educational cooperative comprised of six school districts. In total, 96 students (grades 1-6) were assessed three times during the year on direct, curriculum-based measures of achievement in math, reading, and spelling. Analyses of student performance data were…

In this study, fourth-grade special education students (n=78) and general education students (n=403) took a large-scale statewide test using standard test administration procedure and two major accommodations addressing response conditions and test administration. On both reading and math tests, students bubbled in answers on a separate sheet (the…

The study examined the hypothesis that different evaluative interpretations of studies of special education effectiveness may be a function of the manner in which data are summarized and reported. Four metrics are compared including raw score, grade-equivalent score, z-score, and discrepancy index. Criteria for selecting metrics for program…

Ninety-one fourth grade students (from special education, Chapter 1, low achieving regular education, and regular education) completed a silent Dreading-written retell measure in the fall and again in the spring. Results highlight the many unanswered questions that need to be addressed in implementing assessment reform, in the areas of format,…

Two different measurement-evaluation systems (Precision Teaching and Data Based Program Modification) are contrasted in the following educational decisions: determination of the type of data to collect, use in assessment and determination of eligibility, monitoring student progress and modifying instructional programs, and determining overall…

The Pine County (Minnesota) Special Education System has adapted a database for use in decision making regarding programs for learning disabled and behavior problem students. The system is used for decisions in seven areas: identification, initial assessment, eligibility determination, individualized education program (IEP) selection, IEP…

The Pine County Model on special education delivery is based on simple, curriculum-based data. Five decisions are at the center of the model: problem selection, program selection, program operationalization, program improvement, and program certification. At each stage of the decision making process, student performance data are gathered using the…

Fifty-seven general and special education teachers shared their perceptions about inclusion of students with disabilities in large-scale assessment programs. The majority of teachers shared apprehensions about the inclusion of all students in statewide assessment programs, while a few exhibited enthusiasm for the process. Teachers were primarily…

A curriculum-based measurement approach to evaluating and improving oral reading fluency (ORF) in grades 2-5 is presented. A table of norms (medians) in ORF is provided, based on approximately 9,000 students. Specific classroom uses of the norms are suggested, such as use in developing individualized objectives for students with disabilities. (DB)

This document summarizes the research on test changes to provide an empirical basis for defining accommodations for students with disabilities. It begins by providing an historical overview of special education accountability. It describes how separate special education accountability systems have evolved and summarizes information on the…