The Basics of CBM: What BCBAs Need to Know

Area of Science:

• Educational Psychology
• Applied Behavior Analysis
• Special Education

Background:

• Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) is an instructional assessment approach rooted in applied behavior analysis principles.
• While CBM is common in teacher preparation, its integration into behavior analysis graduate programs is less frequent.
• The multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) framework requires effective data collection and analysis for student progress.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a sequential, practical guide for educational teams to implement CBM within the MTSS framework.
• To bridge the gap between CBM practices and behavior analysis graduate training.
• To demonstrate the application of CBM through case studies involving diverse student populations and educational settings.

Main Methods:

• The article details a five-step process for CBM implementation: material selection, practice, administration and scoring, benchmark comparison, and data-based goal setting.
• It emphasizes using CBM data for writing Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals and employing data-based individualization (DBI).
• Case studies illustrate the practical application of these steps with pre-service teachers and graduate students in K-12 and after-school settings.

Main Results:

• The described steps provide a structured approach for educational teams to effectively integrate CBM into their instructional practices.
• The case studies demonstrate the feasibility and utility of CBM for measuring academic growth and informing instructional decisions within MTSS.
• The findings highlight the importance of systematic training in CBM for both educators and behavior analysts.

Conclusions:

• Implementing CBM systematically within an MTSS framework can enhance the measurement of student academic progress and instructional effectiveness.
• Training in CBM administration and data utilization is crucial for educators and behavior analysts to support diverse learners.
• This guide offers a practical roadmap for educational teams to leverage CBM for data-driven decision-making and improved student outcomes.