Decision-Making Framework

Process

Question

Implementation Considerations Based on Examples from Schools

Define the Problem

Presentation of problem

How does staff determine agenda? Which students’ data will be reviewed?

Collect data on a standardized form and assign a responsible staff member from the data-based decision making team. 


Conduct a thorough review of the student’s record. 


Arrange for the responsible staff member to meet with 
the parent to discuss concerns. 


Develop a Plan

Establish guidelines and processes for data (decision rules)

Are there set decision rules for determining instructional needs from your screening and progress-monitoring data? What criteria do you have to determine adequate progress?

Make decisions based on the data for behavior and academics — continually review the data in team meetings. 


Use differentiation to meet students’ instructional needs across instructional levels. 


Data collection

Which data do you collect and analyze for students (e.g., screening scores, progress monitoring data, grades, attendance)?

Use grades, past data, anecdotal information, screening scores, and progress-monitoring data.

Cut scores

What data (cut scores) indicate at-risk status for academic failure?

Set reading and mathematics cut scores using standardized screening assessments. 


Use state assessment scores to place students into instructional groups. 


Measurable goals for screening

What percentage of students will meet a predetermined benchmark by a certain date?

80 percent of students meeting proficiency standards.

Measureable goals for progress monitoring

What data are used to determine an individual student’s aim line for measuring progress in an intervention?

Aim line: Use 3-8 progress-monitoring data points when making decisions about movement in and out of instructional levels or tiers.

Implement Plan

Instructional strategies

What research-based instructional strategies best match students’ needs as indicated by assessment data (e.g., if a student scores below proficiency on reading, what reading strategy will be implemented)?

Use a resource for researching instructional tools and programs to meet your needs.

Student movement

How do you use PM data to determine which students are in need of more intensive instruction?

Use data from a variety of sources to help school personnel identify the students who needed intervention services. 


Get students involved in their instruction and progress monitoring data tracking to facilitate buy-in and motivation.

Track identification and exit patterns from special education. Anecdotal information from some schools indicated that fewer students were identified with learning disabilities, and more were exited from special education. 


Evaluate

Measurable goals for screening

What percentage of students will meet a predetermined benchmark by a certain date?

Look for approximately:

80 percent of students meeting proficiency standards.

15 percent of students finding success in secondary level classes.


5 percent of students needing third level interventions.

Measureable goals for progress monitoring

What data are used to determine an individual student’s aim line for measuring progress in an intervention?

Compare the student’s aim line to his/her trend line, and set decision rules for determining when growth is insufficient (e.g., 4 data points below the aim line). 


Track movement of students between instructional levels as an indicator of the success of the implementation of the decision-making process.

 

Fidelity of instructional practices

Are instructional strategies reviewed for fidelity to ensure student responsiveness?

Consider adherence to instructional program, exposure to content, quality of instructional delivery, program differentiation, and student responsiveness (engagement) when evaluating fidelity. 


Conduct observations regularly. 


 

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