This facilitation guide provides essential information for school leaders and specialists who will be leading training sessions for their teachers on Circle Progress Monitoring (CPM) and Circle Kindergarten Progress Monitoring (KPM). It is designed to support the smooth facilitation of these assessment training courses, which are available in the CLI Engage Online Course section.
Whether you’re leading in-person or virtual sessions, this guide provides tools, strategies, and resources to ensure successful training delivery.
On CLI Engage, there is one online training module for CPM, the pre-K child progress monitoring assessment. This training can be completed individually by teachers, or facilitators can use the information in this guide to develop a custom training plan to introduce and reinforce key principles and administration for teachers.
The online training module introduces the assessment and its measures, outlines guidelines for administration of each measure, and provides an overview of the reporting features.
Facilitators could split the CPM training into 3 sessions, using different content from the online course.
Before conducting any training, facilitators should confirm the specific expectations of the district or LEA they are supporting. This includes:
Each LEA sets its own assessment windows on CLI Engage. Additionally, districts now have access to an optional assessment lock feature, which prevents assessments from being administered outside the designated window.
Click the how-to guide for instructions on setting assessment windows: CLI Engage Assessment Lock
Overview of the CIRCLE Progress Monitoring (CPM) system (20 minutes)
Introduction includes the purpose of the assessment, the Cycle of Teaching, benefits of using the CPM, using data to make informed decisions, and the direct and observable assessment areas.
Assessments Components (20 minutes)
Administration waves and times, benchmarks, cut points, and customization options for communities.
Administration Guidelines (20 minutes)
Guidelines for preparing and administering the Circle Progress Monitoring measures, technology requirements, and assessing offline.
Accessing the Assessment Tool (30 minutes)
Overview of the CLI Engage Dashboard and practice area for launching the assessment, scoring the responses, and availability of on-demand reports with child data.
Assessment Measures (30 minutes-2.5 hours*)
Overview that includes video examples of some measures. The measures reviewed include Rapid Vocabulary, Rapid Letter Naming, Phonological Awareness, Math, Book and Print, Science and Social Studies, Observables, Early Writing, Story Retell, and Comprehension.
*Training time varies based on the number and type of measures the teachers will be required to administer.
Data & Reports (30 minutes)
Overview of Completion Reports, Growth Reports, Summary Reports, and Group Reports and recommended activities for further skill development.
Circle Activity Collection (30 minutes)
The Circle Activity Collection connects progress-monitoring results and includes annotated videos of the activities performed in real classrooms with heavy scripting to cue the teacher to best instructional practices.
Closing (30 minutes)
Provide participants with a review of available resources and an opportunity to ask questions.
The Circle Progress Monitoring (CPM) online toolkit has been curated to meet the needs of those working in pre-K settings, and who support a variety of educators and leaders within their regions. This “one-stop shop” offers pre-K programs the ability to locate a variety of materials and resources, each tailored to support understanding and implementation of CPM.
Other Helpful Links:
NOTE: Confirm and update number of modules & sessions
CLI Engage offers four online training modules for Circle Kindergarten Progress Monitoring (KPM), formerly known as TX-KEA. These include three modules designed for teachers and one module specifically for administrators.
Teachers can complete the modules independently, or facilitators may use the content in this guide to create a customized training plan that introduces and reinforces key concepts and administration procedures.
The teacher modules introduce the KPM assessment and its measures, outline administration guidelines for each measure, and offer an overview of the reporting features available on the platform.
Facilitators could split the KPM training into three sessions, using content from the three online courses.
Before conducting any training, facilitators should confirm the specific expectations of the district or LEA they are supporting. This includes:
Each LEA sets its own assessment windows on CLI Engage. Additionally, districts now have access to an optional assessment lock feature, which prevents assessments from being administered outside the designated window.
Click the how-to guide for instructions on setting assessment windows: CLI Engage Assessment Lock
Session 1: Introduction (60 Minutes)
Provide an overview of KPM, including the purpose of the assessment, descriptions of the domains being assessed, determining the language of administration, and assessing special needs populations.
Session 2: CLI Engage Demonstration (30 Minutes)
Introduce participants to the CLI Engage platform and demonstrate how to login and access KPM.
Session 3: Administration Guidelines (45-120 Minutes*)
Introduce participants to the CLI Engage platform with live, interactive demonstration and learn how to administer specific KPM measures as required by teachers’ administrators
These modules form part of a comprehensive guide designed to support both in-person and virtual training delivery. The materials feature facilitator tips, sample activities, and downloadable resources to help customize sessions for your audience.
*Training time varies based on the number and type of measures the teachers will be required to administer.
Session 4: Reporting Features (60 Minutes)
Introduce reporting features with live, interactive demonstration on how to print various reports for teachers and parents.
Session 5: Closing (30 Minutes)
Provide participants with a review of available resources, a brief introduction to the Overview for Administrators course, and answer questions.
Designed for ease of use, the Circle Kindergarten Progress Monitoring Toolkit compiles essential resources and materials to support your understanding and implementation of Circle Kindergarten Progress Monitoring (KPM). It includes insights into the tool’s purpose, design, and research foundation.
*Note that Circle KPM was previously known as TX-KEA, and its assessments on CLI Engage will remain consistent throughout the 2025–2026 school year.
Other Helpful Links:
As part of the teacher training, use the assessment practice area to practice administering measures, pulling reports, and learning how to read student results for instructional planning.
It is highly recommended that teachers practice administration and view all the items before administering them to students. In the assessment practice area, teachers can practice assessments in English and Spanish, pull sample reports, and practice using the small grouping tool. Teachers can also review the assessments in all three waves (Wave 1=beginning of year; Wave 2=middle of year; Wave 3=end of year) and both languages (English and Spanish).
Integrating the Practice Area into Training Sessions
To make the training more interactive and practical, use the “Learn, Then Explore” approach. This method helps participants immediately apply what they’ve learned by practicing in the Assessment Practice Area.
Introduce One Measure at a Time
Model the Measure
Demonstrate how to administer the measure using:
Hands-On Exploration
Debrief and Discuss
Bring the group back together to reflect:
Repeat for Additional Measures
Continue this cycle for each key measure you want to cover during the training.
Facilitators are encouraged to use the online modules in ways that best support their session goals, participant needs, and preferred learning styles. Whether you’re leading a short workshop or a full-day training session, the modules can be adapted to create an engaging and effective learning experience.
Assign Modules Before the Session
Have your participants complete online training independently ahead of time. Use your facilitated session to deepen understanding through hands-on activities, focused discussions, and clarification of key concepts.
Facilitate First, Assign Later
Use your session to introduce the domain and spark interest. Participants can then complete the full module on their own afterward to reinforce and expand their learning.
Targeted Module Assignments Based on Roles
Customize module assignments based on participant roles or experience levels.
For example, new teachers might complete the full module before the session, while returning teachers focus only on updates or advanced sections. Use the session to bring everyone together for shared practice and discussion.
Mix-and-Match by Topic
When time is limited or participants have varied experience levels:
Peer-Led Learning
For experienced groups or collaborative teams:
Whether you’re leading a virtual or in-person session, these tips will help you create an engaging, supportive, and well-organized training experience. From preparing participants to using interactive tools like breakout rooms and polls, these strategies are designed to make your facilitation smoother and more impactful.
“Much of the difference between success and failure has to do with one simple word: preparation” (Lawson, 2006).
Effective facilitation begins with thoughtful planning. Most of your time will be spent preparing rather than delivering the session. Consider the following:
Design your session to be interactive, engaging, and adaptable. Consider:
Always have a backup plan—especially for technology or timing issues. Prepare alternative activities or discussion prompts in case something does not go as expected.
The CIRCLE Activity Collection is a robust instructional resource that directly connects to assessment results from CIRCLE Progress Monitoring. It features annotated classroom videos, scripted lessons, and targeted activities aligned with the Texas Pre-K Guidelines and Head Start Outcomes—making it an ideal tool for bridging assessment and instruction.
As a facilitator, you can use this collection to:
Walk participants through a sample Group Report and demonstrate how to locate aligned activities in the CIRCLE Activity Collection. This helps solidify the connection between assessment data and instructional planning.
To deepen understanding and application, consider incorporating these interactive elements:
Regardless of the presentation platform selected, be it PowerPoint, Google Slides, Canva, or another tool, it is strongly advised to utilize a visual guide for all sessions. Minimize the amount of text on each slide and prioritize the inclusion of visual elements such as images, charts, graphs, and icons. Adopting a “less is more” approach enhances clarity and engagement. Also, ensure that all content is grammatically correct and presented clearly and easy to follow.
Go through the presentation aloud many times before the session. Practice activities, think about how you will distribute handouts or materials, and navigate the presentation when the room is full of participants. If the session is online, additional practice of video conferencing features will be necessary.
The following are suggestions of features that should be practiced in advance. For example, know how to:
The following are recommended strategies and activities for an effective session taken from the Core Competencies for Trainers document by Children’s Learning Institute. This applies to the physical arrangement and atmosphere of the training room.
Arrange the room in a way that is cohesive for interactions among participants and allows for all learners to see the training materials. If the session is online, the facilitator will need to ensure that their environment is quiet and free of distractions (make sure your phone, email, and other electronic devices are silent). It is recommended that a webcam with a good microphone is used to ensure audio and video quality. Keep the background clear of distractions that would take away from the presentation. Practice setting up the technology and using it before the day of your session.
The suggested technology for an online session is as follows:
Establish clear expectations for participant engagement and communication and stick to those expectations by engaging those who are reluctant to participate. Provide constructive feedback and follow the agenda to ensure that all participants experience a positive climate. Respond to participants and thank them for participating to encourage others to do the same.
Identify logistical information, such as where restrooms are at the beginning of the session. If facilitating the session online, planning might include how participants can get your attention during the meeting and where resources can be found.
It is important to arrive early to ensure the room is arranged appropriately, technology is working, and training materials (whether online or in person) are organized. It is also essential to show punctuality by valuing participants’ time. This means starting on time and ending on time.
If your session is online, consider having a co-host who can facilitate the session in the event of internet interruptions.
No matter how well-prepared you are, there is always a chance that something could go awry. Be flexible and have a backup plan!
After the session is over, immediately give yourself time to sit and reflect. Make note of what went well and what could benefit from some adjustments, so you don’t forget.
Every session should include a survey that allows participants to give feedback. Be sure to read this feedback with a growth mindset. Constructive criticism is an opportunity to improve future sessions!
The Texas Early Childhood Professional Development System (TECPDS) offers a free certificate generation tool to create and deliver certificates for online and face-to-face training, workshops, professional learning communities (PLC), and coaching/mentoring sessions. Certificates generated through TECPDS can be printed, emailed, and delivered to attendees’ personal TECPDS accounts. These standardized certificates can include all state-required information for professional development certificates for various groups.
If they do not have a tool to award certificates for training attendance, trainers and facilitators are encouraged to use the free Certificate Generation Tool on TECPDS.
If you’re passionate about early childhood education and want to support others in using CLI Engage tools effectively, consider applying to become a CLI Engage Facilitator. Facilitators help lead professional development sessions, guide educators through assessment tools, and promote best practices in data-driven instruction.
Steps to Get Started:
Whether you’re a coach, administrator, or experienced educator, becoming a facilitator is a great way to expand your impact and support high-quality early learning across Texas.
This document was last modified on: August 5, 2025