What should you do if a student's results indicate no progress over time?

When a student's results indicate no progress over time, it is essential to ensure that the student possesses the necessary prerequisite skills. These foundational skills are critical because they serve as building blocks for more advanced learning. If a student lacks these prerequisites, they may struggle to acquire new skills, hindering their overall progress in a given area.

Identifying and ensuring prerequisite skills are in place allows educators to create a more effective instructional plan. This might involve reassessing the student's current abilities, providing additional support, or focusing on skill development that the student has not yet mastered. By addressing these foundational aspects, it increases the likelihood of successful learning in the future.

Other strategies, such as stopping the teaching of the skill, reducing practice, or increasing difficulty, may not adequately address the underlying issue. Stopping instruction could lead to a lack of skill acquisition altogether. Reducing practice might further decrease opportunities for mastery, while increasing difficulty without ensuring a solid foundation can lead to frustration and a potential decline in motivation and engagement. Therefore, confirming that a student has the requisite skills is a crucial step in facilitating meaningful progress.