The Purpose of Decision Rules
Progress monitoring generates data, but without decision rules, teams often struggle to act on it. Decision rules are the shared criteria that help schools know when to maintain a plan, intensify support, or close an intervention because the student is ready.
Common Frameworks
The 4-Point Rule
After collecting at least 4 data points:
- If 4 or more points are above the goal line, the student may be ready for less support
- If 4 or more points are below the goal line, the team should consider intensifying the plan
- If points stay around the goal line, the team may continue the current support
Rate of Improvement Approach
This approach compares the student’s actual growth to the growth needed to meet the goal by the target date.
- Above the needed rate: The student is likely ahead of target
- At the needed rate: The current plan may be working as intended
- Below the needed rate: The team should review whether to intensify or revise the intervention
Why Simplicity Matters
Decision rules should make life easier for school teams, not harder. If the process is too complicated, teams stop using it consistently and decisions become subjective. The strongest systems are simple enough that teachers, interventionists, and leaders can all explain them the same way.
Best Practices for Team Use
- Agree on the rules before reviewing student names: This keeps decisions fair and consistent
- Use a regular review rhythm: Predictable meetings help teams move from data to action faster
- Document the reason for each change: Even a short note makes future reviews much clearer
- Check implementation before changing the plan: Weak progress is not always a sign that the intervention itself is wrong