Measuring DESSA Outcomes Guide
Overview
Have a question about how to analyze your data? This article written by Paul LeBuffe and Jennifer (Fleming) Robitaille provides a detailed explanation of how to examine your DESSA data.
Synopsis
The purpose of this guide is to aid educators in utilizing the DESSA to both monitor the acquisition of social and emotional competencies of children and to evaluate the impact of interventions, such as social and emotional learning (SEL) programs. We will first describe the importance of using a standardized measure to plan and inform programs and interventions generally. Next, specific information about the DESSA will be presented related to measuring outcomes, including initial administration, the types of scores derived from the DESSA, and a brief description of measurement error. Following this introduction to the topic, three sections will be presented describing concrete ways the DESSA can be used to measure outcomes for 1) individual children, 2) groups of children (e.g., classrooms, grades, buildings), and 3) program evaluation and quality improvement purposes.