Tracking preschoolers’ language and preliteracy development using a general outcome measurement system. Topics in Early Childhood and Special Education

Ageneral outcome measurement system designed for use in early childhood rep-resents an alternative to current assessment practices. This article describes anapplication of a general outcome measurement system, Individual Growth and Development Indicators (IGDIs), with 68 preschool children attending early childhood programs in east-central Minnesota. IGDIs were administered on three occasions from January to May at four early childhood sites, with one site implementing an interven-tion after the second administration. Results indicated that the measures were easy to use; were efficient in administration, scoring, and data interpretation; and provided valuable information for making decisions about early childhood education and spe-cial education. Obtained rates of growth over time were similar to those for other ap-plications of IGDIs and demonstrated some sensitivity to intervention