What is the primary purpose of Progress Monitoring in special education?

The primary purpose of Progress Monitoring in special education is to assess student performance and adjust instruction as needed. This process involves regularly collecting data on a student's academic and behavioral performance to determine if they are making progress toward their individualized goals. By continually evaluating this data, educators can identify areas where a student may be struggling, which enables them to adapt instructional strategies to better meet the student's needs. This responsive approach ensures that interventions are tailored and effective, ultimately supporting the student's growth and development in the educational setting.

In contrast, evaluating teacher effectiveness focuses on the instructor’s performance rather than directly addressing student progress. Conducting student behavior assessments may be part of a broader educational strategy, but it does not encompass the comprehensive approach of monitoring academic progress. Creating standardized tests for all students does not align with the individualized nature of special education, as these tests typically do not account for the unique needs of students receiving special services.