Curriculum-Based Measurement

An Introduction to Curriculum-Based Measurement

Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) is a method of monitoring student progress through the direct, continuous assessment of basic skills.  CBM is used to measure basic skills in reading and mathematics.  Readiness skills in the academic areas such as early literacy and early numeracy can also be measured.  In the CBM process, students are given brief timed samples or probes made up of academic material taken from that particular student’s grade level.  The probes are timed and may last from 1 to 4 minutes depending on the particular skill assessed and are scored for speed and accuracy to determine student performance.  CBM probes are administered under standardized conditions meaning that the examiner will follow the same procedures and instructions for each student assessed.

A major advantage of CBM is that because the probes are quick to administer and easy to score, they can be given frequently.  CBM probes in the basic skill areas of reading and math, as well as early literacy and early numeracy skills for younger students, are administered three times a year during the fall, winter and spring of the year and are called benchmarks.  Benchmark testing enables each student to be monitored regularly for progress.  It establishes norms so that a student’s level can quickly be compared to others in the class or district.  Benchmarks also call immediate attention to students who are having difficulty.  Growth in student achievement can be examined over time and information on the effectiveness of our educational interventions assessed.

Curriculum-Based Measurement in Knox County Schools

The Knox County School District has initiated curriculum-based measurement (CBM) in order to provide additional information to its teachers and parents.  CBM was developed more than twenty years ago by Dr. Stanley Deno at the University of Minnesota to provide reliable, valid and time efficient data to assess student growth and development.  CBM is now used throughout the country in progressive school districts to assist teachers in monitoring the progress of their students.  CBM measurement of reading and early literacy began in 6 Knox County elementary schools during the 2003/04 year.  The use of CBM has expanded each year, and during the 2007/08 school year, CBM data will be collected in all 50 elementary schools.