Scoring Methods for Progress Monitoring Using CBM in Early Writing

This initial exploratory study assessed the evidence of reliability, criterion validity, and growth of scores obtained from total correct word sequences (CWS), correct word sequences per response (CWSR), and a trait-based rubric used with a curriculum-based measure of writing (CBM-W) for progress monitoring. Participants were 26 writers with or at risk for a learning disability (LD) in grades 2-3. Participants were given the CBM-W task twice weekly over 6 weeks and were given the Spelling and Writing Samples subtests of the Woodcock-Johnson Tests of Achievement-III at pre- and posttest. Results indicated large inter-rater reliability coefficients but mixed alternate form reliability and validity evidence. CWS was the only metric to demonstrate significant growth (r = .60). CWS has the strongest evidence for use as a progress monitoring scoring metric for students at risk for LD, although information from CWSR and rubric scores could be instructionally useful.