Which two methods are commonly used for progress monitoring in RTI with young learners?

• A. Weekly tests and long-term standardized tests
• B. Brief, frequent probes and data-tracking graphs over time
• C. Observational notes only
• D. Parent questionnaires

Answer: (B)

In RTI, you track a student’s growth by measuring how they respond to instruction over time. For young learners, the two most common methods are brief, frequent probes of targeted skills and plotting those results on graphs over time. Brief probes are quick checks that focus on specific skills (like reading fluency, early math facts, or letter sounds) and can be given often without taking away much instructional time. Because they’re repeated regularly, they’re sensitive to small gains or changes in performance.

Charting the results on graphs helps you see the student’s trajectory—whether they’re catching up, staying on track, or falling further behind. This visual record makes it easier to decide if the current instruction is working, if intensity needs to be increased, or if adjustments to strategies are needed. It also provides a concrete, data-based foundation for conversations with families and other educators.

Long-term standardized tests aren’t ideal for progress monitoring because they’re not given frequently and don’t capture small, day-to-day improvements. Observational notes can be informative but don’t provide consistent, quantifiable data over time. Parent questionnaires reflect perceptions rather than direct measures of the student’s skill growth in the classroom.