When sharing results from multiple data sources with a student's parent/guardian, which approach is most important?

• A. Focus on the most favorable scores from any single test.
• B. Emphasize key concepts from an achievement test, a criterion-referenced test, and the student's work samples.
• C. Provide only cognitive test results.
• D. Discuss only the student's report card grades.

Answer: (B)

Sharing results from multiple data sources together gives a fuller, more accurate picture of how a student is performing and where supports are needed. An achievement test shows what the student has learned in relation to grade-level standards. A criterion-referenced test reveals mastery of specific objectives. Work samples demonstrate how the student applies skills in real tasks and classroom activities. When these perspectives are combined, parents see not only what the student can do in testing scenarios, but how they perform on actual assignments and tasks, and what ongoing supports might help.

This approach also helps with accuracy and fairness. Relying on a single measure can paint an incomplete or biased view, while triangulating data from different sources provides a clearer, evidence-based understanding of strengths and gaps. It supports informed planning for instruction, interventions, and accommodations.

Focusing only on the most favorable score from one test can misrepresent overall ability. Providing only cognitive test results ignores actual learning, classroom performance, and applied skills. Discussing only report card grades misses context, variability across subjects, and the specific standards the student is meeting or struggling with.