CBM Assessment Materials

Spelling-CBM and Written Expression CBM Assessment Materials

Research-validated tools for universal screening and progress monitoring in spelling and written expression within an MTSS framework.

About These Materials

Reliable, Valid CBM Tools for Spelling and Written Expression

Spelling Curriculum-Based Measurement (S-CBM) and Written Expression CBM (WE-CBM) are brief, standardized assessments that provide reliable and valid data for making important educational decisions.

Developed by Dr. Mark R. Shinn and grounded in decades of CBM research, these materials support schools in identifying students who need additional support and monitoring their progress over time.

Whether used for universal screening three times per year or frequent progress monitoring within a tiered support system, these tools give educators the data they need to act quickly and confidently.

Sample S-CBM spelling assessment materials

Why These Tools Work

What Makes These Tools Different

Research-Validated

Developed from an extensive body of CBM research spanning four decades, ensuring reliability and validity for high-stakes educational decisions.

MTSS-Ready

Designed for seamless integration into Multi-Tiered Systems of Support — from Tier 1 universal screening to Tier 3 intensive progress monitoring.

CLS and WSC Scoring

Supports both Correct Letter Sequences (CLS) and Words Spelled Correctly (WSC) scoring, providing richer diagnostic data than traditional methods.

Grades 1–8 Coverage

Comprehensive grade-level materials spanning Grades 1 through 8, ensuring appropriate assessment tools are available across the elementary and middle school years.

Easy to Administer

Brief, standardized administration procedures that classroom teachers and specialists can implement with minimal training and disruption to instruction.

Science of Reading Aligned

Grounded in the Science of Reading and systematic phonics principles, ensuring assessments reflect current best practices in literacy instruction.

Applications

Four Ways Schools Put These Tools to Work

1

Universal Screening

Administer three times per year to identify students at risk for spelling and written expression difficulties before they fall significantly behind.

2

Progress Monitoring

Use frequently with students receiving intervention to determine whether their rate of improvement is sufficient to close the gap with grade-level peers.

3

Data-Based Decision Making

Generate reliable data to support special education eligibility decisions, intervention planning, and program evaluation at the school and district level.

4

RTI and MTSS Implementation

Provide the assessment backbone for Response to Intervention and MTSS frameworks, ensuring all tiers of support are driven by objective, actionable data.

Get the Materials

Purchase S-CBM and WE-CBM Materials

All materials are available as digital downloads — immediate access after purchase. Volume pricing is available for districts and state agencies.

Digital Download

S-CBM Spelling Lists from HD Passages

$19.00

  • Aligned to HD Passages phonics sequence
  • Universal screening & progress monitoring
  • Supports CLS and WSC scoring
  • Digital download — immediate access
Digital Download

S-CBM Spelling Lists Grades 1–3

$19.00

  • Developed from commonly used graded spelling words for Grades 1, 2, and 3
  • Universal screening & progress monitoring
  • Supports CLS and WSC scoring
  • Digital download — immediate access
Digital Download

S-CBM Spelling Lists Grades 4–8

$19.00

  • Developed from commonly used graded spelling words for Grades 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8
  • Universal screening & progress monitoring
  • Supports CLS and WSC scoring
  • Digital download — immediate access

Volume pricing available for districts & state agencies. Contact Dr. Shinn

Questions About S-CBM or WE-CBM Implementation?

Dr. Shinn offers bespoke webinars and consultation on MTSS screening, progress monitoring, spelling and written expression assessment, and more.