SEBA Tools
The SEBA model outlines specific forms of assessment to be used in schools, as well as the decision-making processes through which assessment data are used to inform intervention. In contrast, SEBA does not outline the specific tools that should be used as part of these assessments. Rather, schools are encouraged to choose from a range of tools that are appropriate for each assessment type. When selecting, it is recommended that schools ensure their chosen tools possess multiple properties, including those mentioned below (Glover & Albers, 2007):
- Psychometric defensibility: Tools that are selected should demonstrate evidence of their reliability and validity. Furthermore, research should support the tools in their intended use. For instance, (a) universal screeners should possess evidence of classification accuracy, (b) progress monitors should demonstrate evidence of sensitivity to change, and (c) problem analysis tools should have evidence of treatment utility. See the pages specific to these three assessment types for more information regarding each type of evidence.
- Efficiency: A psychometrically defensible measure possesses little utility if it cannot be feasibly used in schools. Thus, it is essential that the selected measures be quick and efficient so they do not exhaust available school personnel and resources.
- Contextual appropriateness: Chosen measures should meet the needs of the school context. For instance, if a school wants to monitor student behavior on a daily basis, progress monitoring tools should be capable of repeatable administration. In addition, if a school wants to triage at-risk students into either Tier 2 or 3 intervention, it should be capable of differentiating moderate and high-risk students. In addition, chosen measures should be relevant to the student population in question. For instance, if a high school with a large percentage of Native American students wishes to use a universal screening tool, school officials should make sure students have been appropriately represented in previous norming samples and studies using that tool.