ABSTRACT

Effective multi-tiered instruction that is personalized to students' needs and interests depends on high-quality, comprehensive information about individual students. This chapter provides teachers with an overview of the formal and informal assessments used in developing a comprehensive learner profile. It describes formal and informal assessments educators use to gather information about students' academic and behavioral strengths and needs. The chapter gives descriptions of school-based sources and ways information can be solicited from students and family members. It also describes additional sources of information that educators may use to develop a more comprehensive picture of a student's experience. The chapter also provides a scenario to illustrate how educators may integrate information sources to create a comprehensive learner profile. It explores informal classroom assessments and other sources of information teachers can use to collect data. The chapter concludes with an example of a comprehensive learner profile and tips and resources special educators can use to gather information about their students learning and social-emotional needs.