What is progress monitoring?

Progress monitoring refers to the periodic assessment of specific instructional progress to measure students' learning over time. This approach allows educators to determine whether students are acquiring the skills and knowledge being taught and if they are making adequate progress toward educational goals. It involves frequent testing and data collection to inform instructional decisions and improve teaching strategies.

By regularly tracking student performance, educators can identify areas where students may need additional support or intervention, thus facilitating a more personalized learning experience. This ongoing evaluation helps ensure that students remain on track and can enhance their learning outcomes.

In contrast, grading final exams, conducting end-of-year evaluations, or utilizing criterion tests focuses on measuring achievement rather than monitoring progress throughout the learning process. This distinction emphasizes the active role of progress monitoring in shaping instructional strategies and responding to student needs in real-time.