Effects of Alternative Goal Structures within Curriculum-Based Measurement

Abstract

This study assessed the effects of alternative goal structures within curriculum-based measurement (CBM) in the area of math. Subjects were 30 special education teachers, assigned randomly to a dynamic goal CBM, static goal CBM, or control group for 15 weeks. Each teacher selected two mildly or moderately handicapped pupils for participation. Analyses of variance conducted on fidelity of treatment measures indicated that dynamic goal teachers increased goals more frequently and, by the study's completion, employed more ambitious goals. Multivariate analyses of covariance indicated that students in the dynamic goal group had better content mastery than did control students, whereas students in the static goal group did not. Content coverage for the three groups was comparable. Implications for special education goal-setting practice are discussed.