Using Curriculum-Based Measurement to Identify the 2% Population

Abstract

In this article, the authors explain the federal requirements for identifying the population of learners who may participate in the alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards. The authors present four approaches to providing the necessary documentation, discussing the advantages and disadvantages of each. The authors then focus entirely on curriculum-based measurement (CBM) as the most promising approach for providing such documentation. The hope is that a CBM decision-making process not only provides a clear and objective means for identifying the population to participate in the alternate assessment based on modified achievement standards but also enhances the quality of special education programming as well as student outcomes.