Outcomes 101: ECO Q&A
return to Q&A HomeQ. Is the COSF an assessment tool?
A. No. States have the option to collect the OSEP data in any way that produces valid and reliable data. Many states have chosen to use the COSF because it allows them to aggregate information from programs that use different assessment tools or from teams who want to consolidate information about a child's functioning from multiple sources. However, the COSF is not the only way that states can gather progress information to address the OSEP child outcome reporting requirements. Additional links:
- For more information on what options are available to states go to:http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~eco/assets/pdfs/State_Approaches-9-28-06.pdf
- For more information on state activities regarding the child outcome requirements see http://www.fpg.unc.edu/~eco/pages/states_approaches.cfm