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Implementation of Results Matter and Improving Preschool Outcomes for Children with Disabilities

Results Matter Handbook

The Results Matter Handbook has detailed information to support the full implementation of Results Matter for children ages three through age five who have an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Colorado requires that preschool programs who serve children with an Individualized Education Program (IEP) use Results Matter assessment to support the learning of children served by the program and to communicate progress to families.

Additional Information

Results Matter Assurances

Reporting Requirements for Preschool Special Education

Results Matter logo


Results Matter Checkpoint Deadlines for 2024-25

Documentation Window

During this window providers observe, document, and complete preliminary ratings and may finalize baseline ratings based upon what is observed and collected from other sources.

Fall
Aug 15 (or first program day) – Oct 1
Winter
Oct 19 – Jan 22
Spring
Feb 8 – Apr 23
Summer (optional)
May 3 – July 23

Assessment Rating Window*

During this window, providers make final determinations about how to rate the child on each of the assessment indicators. Observation and documentation continue.

Fall
Oct 1 – Oct 18
Winter
Jan 22– Feb 7
Spring
Apr 23 – May 2
Summer (optional)
July 23 – Aug 1

Online Data Finalized

Assessment data on every indicator should be finalized by providers in the assessment system for the child NO LATER THAN the following dates for each checkpoint.* 

Fall
October 18, 2024
Winter
February 7, 2025
Spring
May 2, 2025
Summer (optional)
August 1, 2025

*It is important to enter data and finalize a baseline rating for children with an IEP as soon as initial evidence for each objective becomes available, this baseline rating may be finalized prior to the assessment rating window. See the complete guidance in Treating the First Assessment Period as a Baseline (PDF)


Approved Assessments for Results Matter

Results Matter Assessment Choices

Results Matter Assessment Selection Process

Criteria and Indicators for approval of Results Matter of Assessment Tools (PDF)
2019 Selection Criteria for Results Matter Assessment Tools (PDF)

Technology, when used appropriately, can be a powerful tool in early childhood education. What’s particularly beneficial for educators and families that participate in Results Matter is that they have access to online systems that provide real-time reporting and digital portfolios.

Children's assessment results are recorded using secure online systems that allow immediate access to a variety of progress reports including reports about Colorado standards. Access-controlled reports are available in real time at the child, classroom, site, program, and state level. Documentation can be uploaded to create a rich digital portfolio of children’s learning and development. While not required, educators have the added option of capturing this evidence of growth through pictures and videos which can be particularly transformative material for engaging families in the assessment process.


Technical Assistance

Results Matter Assessment Adjustment Request of Checkpoint Due Date

User Account Transfer Request For Results Matter Online Assessment Systems

Account Transfer Request Form [PDF]


Updated information for OSEP Reporting for 2025 is available in CDE’s Indicator 7 Guidance Document (pdf). Important timelines for this school year:

  • May 30, 2025: A snapshot of the OSEP Mandated Report in the online RM tool will be taken by CDE to monitor the exit process.
  • June 3, 2025: A Verification Form will be available in the ESSU DMS with the status of children exited from the AU as of that date.
  • July 15, 2025 Deadline for finalization and certification. This is a federal deadline, and it cannot be extended.

OSEP Preschool Outcomes (Indicator 7) Reporting and Results Matter Assessment

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires all U.S. states and territories to report annually to the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) on outcomes for preschoolers with disabilities as part of their Annual Performance Report (Indicator 7). Preschool Outcomes (Indicator 7) are tied to child progress made between their entry and their exit from preschool special education services. To meet this accountability requirement, teachers and administrators must follow specific records management procedures in their Results Matter assessment systems. The flowchart below represents the process from the collection of authentic assessment data to the conversion into the preschool outcomes indicators.

The Special Education Director of each Administrative Unit is responsible for ensuring that the ongoing data collection for Indicator 7 is accurate and reliable and completed through one of the approved assessment tools for Results Matter (RM) that has been chosen by the AU.

Flow chart of the process from collection of authentic data to the conversion of scores to progress categories and summary statements

Accessible Version of the Flowchart Image


When is the Collection data due?
The Indicator 7 Collection must be completed by July 15th of every school year. This is a federal collection, and extensions cannot be granted.

Which Children are Included in the Collection?
The collection includes any child who:

  • Received at least 183 calendar days of preschool special education, AND
  • Stopped receiving Part B 619 Preschool services during the current year, AND
  • Have complete Part B 619 Preschool entry and exit assessment scores.

Overview of the Collection Process

  • Preschool programs' Results Matter Administrators exit children from preschool special education in their Results Matter online tool.
    1. Preschool programs should inform their Administrative Unit (AU) when they complete the exits of their children in the online system.
    2. This process should take place while preschool and preschool special education staff are available, in case questions arise.
  • Administrative Units verify the OSEP Exit Child Count
    1. The AU verifies their child counts with their district and preschool programs. A Results Matter administrator can provide an OSEP Federally Mandated Year-End Report to the AU special education director for comparison to their special education count of children on IEPs who have ended preschool special education.
    2. The AU special education director or other staff member then verifies their child counts with CDE.
    3. A Preschool Outcomes Certification Form will be provided to the AU.
  • Administrative Units certify the OSEP Exit Child Count and that the data is accurate.
    1. The Preschool Outcomes Certification Form is signed by the AU’s Special Education Director.
    2. Signed form is returned to CDE.

Detailed information can be found in CDE’s Indicator 7 Guidance Document (pdf)


Resources

Preschool Outcomes: A Data Dialogue on OSEP Indicator 7 Reporting

This module is for Special Education Administrators and Early Childhood Personnel who are involved with the OSEP reporting of Preschool Outcomes. It is designed to promote understanding of the three global child outcomes and how they fit into the ESSU's Results Driven Accountability System. Rating levels, progress categories and data quality will also be discussed.

Preschool Outcomes: A Data Dialogue on OSEP Indicator 7 Reporting 
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Results Matter Assessment and Preschool- Aged Children with Significant Support Needs

Technical Assistance document from the Office of Special Education and the CDE Preschool team. Results Matter Assessment and Preschool- Aged Children with Significant Support Needs


Further Questions Concerning CDE’s Indicator 7 Collection can be directed to Marcia Blum.

Marcia Blum
Early Childhood Special Education Specialist, ESSU
720-799-4015
Email: Marcia Blum