Using Curriculum-Based Assessment in the Responsiveness to Intervention Diagnostic Model for Learning Disabilities

The Responsiveness to Intervention (RI) model for diagnosing learning disabilities has been proposed as an alternative to previous definitions. Given the importance of reliable and valid assessment in the instructional process, assessment must be a crucial aspect of any RI approach. Curriculum-based measurement (CBM) has been discussed in previous descriptions of RI, but arguably does not address all of the components of an RI model. This article examines the potential use of curriculum-based assessment (CBA) in distinguishing ineffective instruction from unacceptable learning and informing instruction, which are two key elements of RI. How CBA can be used to plan, manage, deliver, and evaluate classroom instruction is specifically discussed, as are the central tenets of CBA.