WEST-E Special Education Practice Test

What type of measures provide direct and frequent performance samples?

1. Standardized testing measures

2. Curriculum Based Measures

3. Norm-referenced assessments

4. Behavioral assessments

The correct answer is: Curriculum Based Measures

Curriculum-Based Measures (CBMs) are the correct type of measures that provide direct and frequent performance samples. These assessments are designed to evaluate students' progress in the curriculum by collecting data on their performance in a timely manner. CBMs are typically aligned with the curriculum goals and allow educators to assess academic skills through direct observation of students' work, such as how well they read, write, or solve math problems. The key aspect of CBMs is their focus on regular and systematic measurement of students' academic skills, which helps in making informed instructional decisions and adjustments. This frequent sampling allows teachers to monitor student growth over time and to provide data that can guide interventions if needed, making them incredibly valuable in special education settings. Other types of measures, such as standardized testing measures, norm-referenced assessments, and behavioral assessments, do not provide the same level of direct and immediate insights into student progress in the curriculum. Standardized testing is often conducted less frequently and may not directly reflect a student's ongoing performance in the classroom. Norm-referenced assessments compare a student's performance to a larger group and may not focus on the specific curriculum being taught, while behavioral assessments are primarily concerned with observing and measuring specific behaviors rather than academic performance.