How to Use CBM to Teach Multiplication Facts

It's quick and easy to gauge a student's progress using CBM testing.

Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM) is an educational method that can help educators monitor the progress of younger students in all academic areas. Each week, a child completes a short test, lasting under five minutes, that focuses on one academic skill. Correct answers are graphed by the teacher to document any progression or dips in the child's performance over time en route to the academic goal. Multiplication CBM tests measure the fluency of the student in multiplication, encouraging the student to memorize multiplication facts and increase accuracy and speed when computing.

Instructions

1. Print out CBM worksheets that test basic multiplication facts. Using the Curriculum-Based Assessment Math Computation Probe Generator, found in the Resource section below, design individualized worksheets for each student that focus on single digit multiplication facts. Additionally, print corresponding answer keys prior to testing.

2. Administer the printed tests for one minute, allowing students to work individually and silently on the multiplication facts printed on the page.

3. Score the tests according to CBM principles. Each individual correct digit in each answer will count as one point. The total sum of all of the correct digits on the test will be the child's score.

4. Retest students after one week of intensive curriculum focusing on multiplication skills.

5. Track the progress of each student in order to determine increases in speed and accuracy of completing these multiplication fact tests.

References

• National Center on Student Progress Monitoring; What Is Curriculum-Based Measurement And What Does It Mean to My Child?; Kathleen McLane
• National Center on Student Progress Monitoring; Monitoring Student Progress in Individualized Educational Programs; Using Curriculum-Based Measurement ; Pamela M. Stecker
• Curriculum-Based Measurement Warehouse: A World of CBM Resources Under One Roof;

Resources

• Intervention Central: Your Source for RTI Resources: CBM Math Worksheet Generator