ABCs of Curriculum-Based Evaluation: A Practical Guide to Effective Decision Making

This book provides a practical guide to curriculum-based evaluation (CBE), which helps educators solve learning problems by making data-based decisions about what and how to teach. CBE offers clear procedures for analysing PreK-12 students' academic skills, determining where instruction needs to focus, and evaluating progress.

Written in an engaging, step-by-step style, the book features examples throughout that illustrate the problem-solving process. The use of curriculum-based measurement (CBM) as a data collection technique is discussed. Reproducible planning and implementation tools are included; the large-size format and lay-flat binding facilitate photocopying.

Purchasers also get access to a Web page where they can download and print the reproducible materials.

Key features:

• An ideal complement to the authors' bestselling ABCs of CBM; CBE is a broader decision-making process that utilises CBM.
• CBE directly addresses mandates for accountability in the use of evidence-based practices in schools.
• The most accessible work on CBE: it is written with the practitioner in mind and has good professional development/course potential.
• Practical: After guiding decisions about what and how to teach, provides tools to aid in organisation and implementation.

Audience: PreK-12 school psychologists, special educators, classroom teachers, administrators, and instructional specialists and coaches.

Table of Contents

1. What Is Curriculum-Based Evaluation and Why Should I Do It?
2. Foundations of CBE
3. Overview of the CBE Process of Inquiry
4. CBE Process Phase 1: Fact Finding
5. CBE Process Phase 2: Summative Decision Making
6. CBE Process Phase 3: Formative Decision Making
7. Troubleshooting the CBE Process
8. Keeping the CBE Process Going
9. Conclusion Glossary Resources

"Here in one place is basic information on the foundations of CBE, explicit guidance on implementation, and useful information on solving student academic problems. This book will serve as a very useful primer on CBE for school personnel. The authors are four of the leading researchers and practitioners in academic assessment, diagnosis, and problem solving."
- James E. Ysseldyke, PhD, Birkmaier Professor of Educational Leadership, Department of Educational Psychology, University of Minnesota

"An exceptional contribution to educational practice and training. Practical and user friendly, the book is grounded in a foundation of research. It contains a wealth of useful tools to guide problem solving and decision making, including action steps, guiding questions, checklists, forms, and troubleshooting tips. This book will be invaluable for school professionals working in teams to improve student outcomes. I will definitely recommend adopting it as a text in our School Psychology Program. Our training model is founded in problem solving and data-based decision making; this book is aligned with that approach and provides excellent conceptual understanding and practical application."
- Janet L. Graden, PhD, School Psychology Program, University of Cincinnati