Conducting Curriculum-Based Measurement with Computerized Data Collection: Effects on Efficiency and Teacher Satisfaction

This study assessed the efficiency of and teacher satisfaction with curriculum-based measurement (CBM) when student performance data are collected by teachers or by computers. Participants were 20 special education teachers, randomly assigned to teacher and computer administration groups. Each practitioner selected two mildly handicapped pupils for participation. For 15 weeks, teachers employed CBM in reading, spelling, and math, with data collected by teachers or by computers. Ten weeks into the study, teachers and students were observed during measurement and evaluation activities, and durations of time allocated to CBM procedures were recorded. Teacher satisfaction was indexed with a questionnaire at the study's completion. Observational data indicated that teachers spent less time in measurement and evaluation when data were collected by computers; further, satisfaction data revealed that computer-data-collection teachers were more satisfied with the procedures. However, students spent more time in measurement with computer data collection. Implications for special education practice are discussed.