It’s no secret that the ability to identify students who need extra support is like having a superpower. That’s where easyCBM® comes in—a game-changing assessment tool that helps educators spot students who might be struggling and ensures they get the help they need to succeed. Let’s explore some ways in which easyCBM equips educators with game-changing tools.
Spotting Students Who Need a Boost
Imagine being able to quickly and accurately identify which students in your classroom are at risk of falling behind. Backed by solid validity evidence, easyCBM’s benchmarks give you the confidence to screen students and pinpoint those who might need more intensive support. It’s like having a roadmap that leads you directly to the students who need your help the most.
Trustworthy Insights Backed by Research
Recent research has confirmed that easyCBM is a reliable predictor of which students are at risk. This means you can trust the data you’re getting and make informed decisions about how to best support your students. Early intervention is key, and with easyCBM, you’ll know exactly where to focus your efforts.
A Clear Picture of Reading Skills
When it comes to reading, easyCBM offers four powerful benchmark measures: phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension.. These measures combine to create a composite score that gives you a comprehensive view of a student’s reading abilities. It’s like looking through a lens that brings their strengths and challenges into sharp focus, helping you tailor your instruction to meet their needs.
Aligned with the Best Practices in Reading
easyCBM isn’t just effective; it’s grounded in the best research out there. The measures it uses align with the recommendations of the National Reading Panel, ensuring that your assessments are based on what really works in reading instruction. When you use easyCBM, you’re not just checking boxes—you’re using a tool that’s built on proven strategies for teaching kids to read.
Predictive Power That Works Year-Round
easyCBM’s Reading Composite doesn’t just work some of the time—it delivers consistent results across all grades and testing seasons. With a predictive power in the mid to high .90s, you can rely on easyCBM to give you accurate insights, no matter when or where you’re assessing.
Classification Accuracy Summary 2023: Reading Composite
|
|
Grade 3 |
Grade 4 |
Grade 5 |
Grade 6 |
Grade 7 |
Grade 8 |
|
Fall Sensitivity |
0.80 |
0.84 |
0.80 |
0.80 |
0.77 |
0.79 |
|
Fall Specificity |
0.81 |
0.83 |
0.82 |
0.88 |
0.84 |
0.76 |
|
Fall Positive Predictive Power |
0.94 |
0.96 |
0.96 |
0.96 |
0.95 |
0.94 |
|
Winter Sensitivity |
0.81 |
0.83 |
0.82 |
0.75 |
0.83 |
0.82 |
|
Winter Specificity |
0.84 |
0.87 |
0.85 |
0.83 |
0.80 |
0.78 |
|
Winter Positive Predictive Power |
0.95 |
0.97 |
0.96 |
0.94 |
0.95 |
0.96 |
|
Spring Sensitivity |
0.87 |
0.80 |
0.83 |
0.84 |
0.83 |
0.82 |
|
Spring Specificity |
0.83 |
0.89 |
0.83 |
0.83 |
0.77 |
0.82 |
|
Spring Positive Predictive Power |
0.95 |
0.97 |
0.96 |
0.96 |
0.93 |
0.97 |
Key Terms:
Classification Accuracy tells how easyCBM can correctly distinguish students who have a reading difficulty from those who do not.
Sensitivity identifies students who are at risk.
Specificity identifies students who are not at risk.
Predictive power is an overall index comparing sensitivity and specificity.
In the end, easyCBM is more than just an assessment tool—it’s your partner in making sure every student has the opportunity to succeed. By giving you accurate, research-backed data, easyCBM empowers you to take action and make a real difference in your students’ lives. Whether you’re fine-tuning your RTI/MTSS strategies or looking to boost student outcomes, easyCBM is the tool you need to help every student reach their full potential.
For more information see: Tindal, G., & Nese, J. F. T. (2024). Criterion validity and classification accuracy of easyCBM: Grades 3-8 (Technical Report 2401). Eugene, OR: Behavioral Research and Teaching: https://brtprojects.org.
Acknowledgement: This research was completed with Riverside Insights who are the exclusive distributor of easyCBM® District edition. The University of Oregon is committed to the policy that all persons shall have equal access to its programs, facilities, and employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, age, marital status, disability, public assistance status, veteran status, or sexual orientation. This document is available in alternate formats upon request.