Uses and Misuses of Data on Outcomes for Young Children with Disabilities

This paper presents an overview of how outcome data can be used at the following levels: (1) Federal/national, (2) State, (3) local, (4) program/school, and (5) child/family. Even within the same level, outcome data can address different purposes. The goal is to ensure that every young child with disabilities who is receiving services through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) achieves good outcomes. A table highlights possible uses and misuses of child outcome data at the different levels. By identifying possible misuses of outcome data, discussions can be advanced to help stakeholders distinguish between good and bad uses of the data.