Use of a Curriculum-Based Measure to Corroborate Eligibility Decisions

Abstract

This study examined the usefulness of the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System, a curriculum-based measure, to corroborate the findings of standardized, norm-referenced tests that establish eligibility for IDEA services for young children. Using a sample of children who were developing typically, a Rasch one-parameter dichotomous measurement model was used to determine cutoff scores for 6-month intervals on the Assessment, Evaluation, and Programming System. These cutoff scores were evaluated for accuracy with a group of children previously found eligible for services. In most cases, the cutoff scores identified eligible children accurately. Implications for the use of curriculum-based measures to establish eligibility for IDEA services are discussed.