Hypothesis generation is a key part of intensifying supports for students. Educators identify a hypothesis and then gather diagnostic data to confirm or disconfirm the selected hypothesis. Use the table below to identify a possible hypothesis when students aren’t making progress. Select a hypothesis and then collect data using our suggested diagnostic data tools.  

Guiding QuestionSuggested DataLinks to Example Tools
Are we teaching the most needed skills? Conduct diagnostic assessment of current skills Alignment of Instructional Need Tool 
Are we teaching with sufficient explicitness?  Examine use of explicit instruction Self-Assessment of Explicit Instruction 
Are we providing sufficient practice opportunities? Measure opportunities to respond Assessment of Use of Opportunities to Respond 
Are we providing sufficient support for transfer across settings? Evaluate generalization strategiesAssessment of Generalization Practices 
Are we providing needed behavior supports? Review classroom management

Self-Assessment of Classroom Management Practices

OR

Acknowledgment Ratio Tool 

image of diagnostic tools
Content Developer
MTSS Center
Resource Type
Tools
Essential Components
Data-based decision making
Tier 1
Tier 2
Tier 3
Implementation Phases
Implement