Progress Monitoring....A Simple Definition

Hearing the term "Progress Monitoring" can make teachers feel nervous or anxious because it can feel like ONE. MORE. THING. I get it. As a former classroom teacher I understand the demands. However, as a former classroom teacher I pressed on and found a way to make it work. Why? Because I understood the power of the data and how it gave me a "bigger hammer" when I attended meetings and advocated for students or when I was able to plan strategic instruction. That "one more thing" became something I would never want to give up because I understood the VALUE. Let's break it down simply....

What is Progress Monitoring? (in my words)

Why should we do Progress Monitoring?

Who needs to be Progress Monitored?

Technically we can monitor the progress of any student in any number of areas. However, for our purposes we are going to focus on students who are below benchmark.

What should you look for in a Progress Monitoring Assessment?

it should be a consistent assessment that has material enough to extend over a period of time
it should have benchmark expectations, preferably Nationally Based Norms
it should be targeted and focus on one or only a couple areas

Progress Monitoring is something that gives teachers POWER! The data is over time, not one moment or one day. It reveals patterns and growth. It enables us to respond immediately to students' needs and design intentional instruction.

Do you have more questions? Let's talk! Leave your comments below and we'll address them here!

Thank You,

Kristin

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