In MTSS, what is the purpose of progress monitoring?

• A. To identify students needing universal instruction.
• B. To determine which students need targeted interventions based on data.
• C. To measure reading speed only.
• D. To replace curriculum with testing.

Answer: (B)

Progress monitoring in MTSS is about tracking a student’s learning over time to see how well instruction is helping them improve. This data-driven process helps decide which students need targeted interventions beyond universal instruction and whether current supports are working. For example, a teacher might regularly measure reading fluency (like words correct per minute) after starting a small-group intervention to see if the student is making adequate gains. If progress is on target, the current supports continue; if not, the intervention can be adjusted or intensified. This approach is different from universal screening, which identifies students at risk, and it’s not simply about measuring speed or replacing curriculum with tests—it's using ongoing data to guide instructional decisions.