Many teachers get confused between the types of test we give students. It's important to understand the differences between a screener, a diagnostic, and progress monitoring assessment. 

Screener

 Think of it like a temperature check. We are trying to figure out if your student has a temperature. It is quick and intended to give you a predicted risk so you know if further digging is needed. 

Diagnostic

This is what comes after the screener. Once you are provided with information on the screener, then you will determine if more information is needed. This is where the diagnostic comes in to help provide you with further information on how to provide the direct support. A good diagnostic will give you the information to know how to fill in the gaps. 

Progress Monitoring

After the screener, and diagnostic, comes progress monitoring assessing. Once you start to provide targeted support in whole or small group instruction, it's important to assess student progress. The progress monitoring probes should match what skill you are working on in your targeted support. This will give you information on if what you are doing is working.