S03E04 - Dr. Matthew Burns on Effective Assessment: Using Data to Drive Reading & Maths Intervention
Feb 22, 2025
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Dr. Matthew Burns, a researcher at the University of Florida Literacy Institute, brings his expertise on effective assessment data in education. He discusses the importance of understanding various assessment types and their purposes in driving instruction. Dr. Burns emphasizes aligning data with educational goals and offers practical advice on reducing unnecessary screening. He also covers effective interventions in reading and math, including strategies to enhance fluency and comprehension. His insights are valuable for educators seeking to improve student learning outcomes.
Assessments should serve their intended purpose, as misuse can lead to ineffective teaching strategies and poor student outcomes.
Structured frameworks for analyzing assessment data can significantly enhance teachers' abilities to make informed instructional decisions and allocate resources effectively.
Understanding the differences between Curriculum-Based Assessments (CBAs) and Curriculum-Based Measurements (CBMs) is crucial for implementing appropriate interventions tailored to students' specific needs.
Deep dives
The Importance of Purposeful Assessment
Assessments should be utilized strictly for their intended purpose to ensure effective educational practices. Screeners are specifically designed to identify whether a student needs help, not to determine the type of support they require. This misalignment can lead to ineffective teaching strategies, as many educators mistakenly use screening data for making instructional decisions. It is essential for schools to conduct assessment audits to identify and select the most efficient assessments, reducing unnecessary repetitions and administrative burdens.
Frameworks for Effective Data Analysis
Teachers require structured frameworks to effectively analyze data collected from assessments. Providing educators with specific questions to answer during data review meetings can significantly enhance their ability to make informed instructional decisions. When teachers have a clear framework, they become more efficient in using data to identify which students need support and the type of interventions needed. This structured approach helps streamline meetings and allows for better resource allocation based on student needs.
Understanding the Instructional Hierarchy
The instructional hierarchy outlines the various phases of learning and guides teachers on how to meet student needs effectively. Students typically progress from being slow and inaccurate in their skills to becoming accurate but slow, then achieving fluency with speed. Recognizing these phases helps educators tailor their instruction to match where students are in their learning journey. By addressing these phases methodically, educators can enhance student understanding and application of concepts.
Differentiating Between CBAs and CBMs
Curriculum-Based Assessments (CBAs) and Curriculum-Based Measurements (CBMs) serve very different purposes within the educational framework. CBAs are primarily aimed at identifying what a student needs by evaluating their instructional materials, whereas CBMs focus on monitoring student progress over time. This distinction is critical; using the wrong type of assessment can lead to confusion and inappropriate instructional strategies. Understanding the differences between these assessments allows teachers to implement more effective interventions tailored to student needs.
Effective Intervention Strategies
Intervention strategies must be carefully chosen based on student performance and needs to maximize learning outcomes. For students struggling with accuracy, assessing foundational skills like decoding and using supportive strategies such as pre-teaching can greatly enhance their reading capabilities. Techniques like duet reading and incremental rehearsal provide focused and effective learning opportunities for students with severe learning challenges. Tailoring these methods and ensuring their proper application can foster significant improvements in student achievement.
In this episode, get ready to dive deep into the world of assessments with Dr. Matthew Burns, as we explore the different categories of assessments, their intended purposes, and how they can be used to inform instruction. Dr. Burns, a researcher with extensive experience in the effective use of assessment data and interventions, shares his expertise on bridging the gap in understanding assessments.
The conversation highlights the significance of the instructional hierarchy in understanding student learning phases, as well as the differences between curriculum-based measurements (CBM) and curriculum-based assessments (CBA). Dr. Burns stresses the necessity of aligning data with educational goals and ensuring teachers are equipped with appropriate frameworks to use assessments effectively. He offers practical advice on reducing unnecessary screening, using data to drive instructional decisions, and implementing effective interventions in reading and maths.
Resources mentioned:
UFLI Foundations
Spring Math
PALS (Peer Assisted Learning Strategies)
Science of Math: including both the Facebook group and website (thescienceofmath.com).
National Center on Intensive Intervention:(intensiveintervention.org).
Evidence Advocacy Center (evidenceadvocacycenter.org).