Curriculum-Based Measurement: An Emerging Alternative to Traditional Assessment for African American Children and Youth

The purpose of this article is to provide readers with an overview of Curriculum-Based Measurement (CBM). Special education is often used for meeting the needs of African American children and youth. Assessment reform is needed that emphasizes reliable and valid alternative assessment, linkages to the curriculum, and progress monitoring. CBM may be a viable alternative to current norm-referenced assessment practices that are often biased toward African American children and youth.