Six-Step Protocol - Progress Monitoring Performance Feedback and Goal-Setting Instructional Routine

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by Melati

A six-step instructional routine guides teachers in using progress monitoring to actively involve students through performance feedback and goal setting. The approach operationalizes IDEA-aligned measurement and reporting by combining explicit feedback, specific positive commentary, collaborative graphing, and joint data analysis. Reflective questioning supports student awareness of improvement and growth in reading, writing, or mathematics skills. Materials include session scripts, scoring tools, and a note-taking log with a fidelity checklist for use across kindergarten through secondary grades.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryExam

FormatPDF

Pages5

Reading Time13 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Materials Needed

Script and Instructions for Session 1

Step 1. Explicit performance feedback

Step 2. Specific, true, and positive feedback

Step 3. Collaborative data graphing

Step 4. Collaborative data analysis

Step 5. Reflective questioning

Step 6. Collaborative goal setting

Six-Step Protocol: Progress Monitoring Performance Feedback and Goal-Setting Instructional Routine Introduction According to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Regulations (2018), each child’s individualized education program must describe how progress toward meeting the student’s annual goals will be measured and periodically shared with parents [Sec. 300.320 (a)(3)] . In addition, within a multi-tiered system of supports, students who perform below grade-level expectations are identified, targeted academic or behavioral interventions are implemented, and student progress is monitored regularly ( National Center for Intensive Intervention, 2021) . Formal progress monitoring measures can be used to assess students’ performance, quantify a student’s rate of responsiveness toward measurable annual goals, and evaluate the effectiveness of instruction using reliable and valid measures (Center on Multi-Tiered System of Supports, 2021) . Research shows that actively involving students in progress monitoring through performance feedback and goal setting can lead to improved academic outcomes, yet many students who are at risk for academic failure and students with disabilities who have their progress monitored on a weekly orbiweekly basis remain unaware of their progress (Furey & Loftus-Rattan, 2021) . Teachers and other specialized staff can address this missed opportunity to engage students in their learning by implementing a brief six-step performance feedback and goal-setting instructional routine, described in this resource, with students following each progress monitoring session (Furey & Loftus-Rattan, 2021) . This six-step routine offers a quick reference guide that enhances typical progress monitoring procedures. The goal is to improve student outcomes in, for example, reading, writing, or mathematics, as well as bolster student motivation and self-efficacy. The materials in this document, plus the companion note-taking log and fidelity checklist, will support teachers and other specialists who are implementing academic progress monitoring with students in kindergarten through the secondary grades. An adapted version of this protocol can be applied for behavior or other skills. For more information, please review “Actively Involving Students With Learning Disabilities in Progress Monitoring Practices” in Intervention in School and Clinic (Furey & Loftus-Rattan, 2021) . Materials Needed | Materials | Notes | | --- | --- | | 􀁆 Progress monitoring administration and scoring materials | • Examples might include reading, writing, spelling, or mathematics curriculum-based measures. | | 􀁆 Progress monitoring line graph or bar graph | • If using a data management system instead of a paper graph, bring a laptop/device. | | 􀁆 A pencil, marker, or small stickers for the student to mark their score on the graph | • If using a data management system instead of a paper graph, log into the system so that the student can enter the new score and view the updated graph. | | 􀁆 Script and instructions for Session 1: Six-Step Protocol for the Progress Monitoring Performance Feedback and Goal-Setting Instructional Routine | • This script is for the first session only. Print one copy to use during the first session. | | 􀁆 Script and instructions for Sessions 2+ : Six-Step Protocol for the Progress Monitoring Performance Feedback and Goal-Setting Instructional Routine | • This script is for sessions 2+ . Print one copy to use each time. | | 􀁆 Note-Taking Log and Fidelity Checklist for each session | • Make one copy for each session and staple together into a packet. Use the Note-Taking Log and Fidelity Checklist to track fidelity and record student responses, goals, and self-efficacy ratings. | Script and Instructions for Session 1 | | Six-step protocol for the progress monitoring performance feedback and goal-setting
instructional routine: Session 1 | | --- | --- | | Introduction | Immediately following the prog

FAQs

What is the purpose of the six-step protocol in progress monitoring?

It strengthens progress-monitoring practices by actively involving students in performance feedback, data review, and goal setting to support improved academic outcomes.

What materials are provided to implement the routine?

The document lists progress monitoring materials, graphing tools (or a data system), student marking supplies, session scripts for Session 1 and Sessions 2+, and a note-taking log with a fidelity checklist.

How does the student participate during the routine?

Students receive explicit feedback, help add their scores to a collaborative graph, interpret whether scores rise, fall, or stay the same, answer reflective questions, and participate in setting goals.

Oct 10, 2026

Uploaded by Melati