Assessment-Driven Instruction: A Systems Approach

While many schools and districts use assessment data to determine student needs, only a few are utilizing the data to differentiate support for teachers, make decisions about intervention programs, and monitor program implementation. Some districts use assessment data to determine system-wide professional development needs, allocate coaching time, identify students who need frequent progress monitoring, and purchase and implement intensive intervention programs designed to support at-risk students. Schools using this approach recognize the power of assessment-driven instruction. They use a variety of tests for different purposes, with particular attention to progress monitoring tests focused on critical reading instructions.