What is the process of ongoing assessment in special education?

Ongoing assessment in special education refers to the continuous process of gathering information throughout the therapy or educational intervention. This approach allows educators and therapists to monitor student progress, adjust strategies as needed, and ensure that the educational or therapeutic goals are being met effectively. By collecting data consistently during therapy, practitioners can identify emerging challenges or successes, allowing for timely interventions that can enhance learning and development.

This approach emphasizes the dynamic nature of assessment, recognizing that a student's needs and progress may change over time. Continuous data gathering also supports the idea of responsive teaching and therapy, where interventions are tailored to the individual needs of each student based on real-time feedback. This makes it a critical component of effective special education practices, ensuring that each intervention is aligned with the student's current skills and challenges.