How do annual goals differ from progress monitoring data?

• A. Annual goals are overwritten by progress data; progress data is unrelated.
• B. Annual goals provide long-term targets; progress monitoring data shows progress toward those targets over time.
• C. Progress monitoring replaces annual goals.
• D. Progress monitoring is only for behavior, not academics.

Answer: (B)

Annual goals set a year-long target for what a student should achieve, while progress monitoring data shows how the student is moving toward that target over time. The goals give the destination; the progress data provides the ongoing measurements that tell you whether you’re on track or if you need to adjust instruction or supports.

For example, if a student’s annual math goal is to master adding two-digit numbers by the end of the year, progress monitoring would involve regular, quick checks of that skill (weekly or biweekly) to plot growth and see if the student is making steady progress toward the goal. The data helps teachers decide if the current approach is working or if a change is needed.

The other statements don’t fit because progress monitoring doesn’t overwrite or replace annual goals; it’s the method used to show progress toward those goals. And progress monitoring isn’t limited to behavior—it applies to academics as well as other skills.