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Improving Systems, Practices, and Outcomes

Answering the "Ever" Question on the Decision Tree: Key Points and Practice Scenarios

The Child Outcomes Summary (COS) Learning Community created this resource to provides key points and practice scenarios for team decision-making when answering the first question on the Decision Tree for Summary Rating Discussions during the COS process.

The practice scenarios can be used by individuals in a self-directed format, or to support team building and shared understanding. Facilitators and participants should be familiar with the essentials of the COS process as outlined in the COS Process Module.

Does the child ever function in ways that would be considered age-expected with regard to this outcome? If NO (Consider Rating 1–3). If YES (Consider Rating 4–7)

This yes-or-no question is anything but simple, and teams must discuss specific examples of the child's functioning within the outcome area being rated. By sharing examples, teams better understand the child's functioning and reach consensus.

  • The Early Childhood Technical Assistance Center (ECTA)
  • The Center for IDEA Early Childhood Data Systems (DaSy)

These contents were developed under a cooperative agreement, #H326P220002, and a grant, #H373Z190002, from the Office of Special Education Programs, U.S. Department of Education. However, the content does not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education, and you should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government.

ECTA Center Project Officer: Julia Martin Eile

DaSy Center Project Officers: Meredith Miceli and Amy Bae