Collecting data on a student is very important as a teacher and as a parent. Collecting data ensures that the student is making progress academically and/or behaviorally. By collecting data, we can see if the student is making progress and which interventions are working. If the data shows the student is not making progress, we know we need to change the intervention. There are a few different ways data can be collected.
This video explains why parents should take data.
There are many different data collection forms available. Below are a few examples. Click the pictures to go to the original links.
Antecedent - Behavior - Consequence (ABC) Data Collection
An ABC data collection sheet is a way to collect information about different behaviors and to see what caused that behavior, the antecedent. After the behavior occurs, the consequence from the behavior is also recorded. It is a good idea to have a section for comments on the collection sheet as well for easy documentation of any other things that are noteworthy.
This ABC form allows us to not only see the behavior, but the antecedent which is what causes the behavior, and the consequence that happens after the behavior.
This page is very similar to the ABC form above. This form provides a key at the bottom which allows for quick notes by the teacher or paraprofessional observing the behavior.
Scatterplot
A scatterplot is a way of collecting data by intervals. It looks at the behavior and at the time it occurs. It allows teachers and/or parents to determine when the problem behavior is occurring. The scatterplot is a grid with time plotted on the vertical line divided into periods of time. Scatterplots are nice to be able to document how many times a behavior occurs and the duration for which the behavior lasts. However, scatterplots do not allow for collection of the antecedent and consequences.
The video below provides more information on scatterplots.
This is an example of a scatterplot filled out for Monday and Tuesday. They used a key at the top with specific symbols for the target behaviors and interventions. By using these symbols, it makes for easy, quick documentation as the lesson is going on.
This document contains four different scatterplots. It will show an example of how to complete the scatterplot on the first page, then it will provide the blank scatterplot on the second page.
Environmental Analysis
An environmental analysis is an evaluation of how student functions in different environments and settings. By using this type of assessment is allows us to see in what skills a student needs to develop in a certain area. Environmental assessments can show what the student's behavior is being affected by in the environment. For example, it can be affected by the physical environment, interactions with others, expectations of the student, or may even be something that is not related to the environment.
Look at the teacher when the teacher is providing instruction
The student did not look at the teacher while the teacher was providing instruction. However, this is not necessarily an indication that the student is not listening.
No goal at this time because the student may be listening to the teacher even though she is not looking at the teacher.
Read along silently when someone is reading
The student did not look at the words in the book while someone was reading.
The student will move her finger along the words while someone is reading.
Read when called on
The student is non-verbal so she cannot read aloud.
The student will hit a switch to “read” a pre-recorded section aloud when called on.
Answer comprehension questions
The student did not answer any questions. Since she is non-verbal, she did not have a means to communicate whether or not she comprehended the story.
The student will respond to literal comprehension questions by pointing to pictures given a field of four.
Make Predictions
The student did not make any predictions
Provide the student with a communication board that has a symbol for “I have an idea.” This can be the words and/or a light bulb. The student will hold up the symbol when she wants to make a prediction. To make a prediction, she can use gestures, choose from a set of pictures, or she can use an AAC device.
Is background noise such as an air conditioner fan, heating system, etc. running?
Visuals
Does the student understand the schedule?
Is there visuals posted to help the student understand how to complete a task?
Is there preferred activities included in the schedule?
Is a token economy being used?
If yes to the question above, does the student understand the token economy?
Communication
Does the student understand what they are being told?
Can the student communicate his wants or needs either verbally, using a pictures, or another communication device?
Does the student understand the expectations?
Are transitions to different activities provided with ample time?
Behavior
Is there a behavior system in place?
Does the student understand the behavior system in place?
Is positive reinforcement being used?
Does the student response well to the positive reinforcement?
Total number of "yes" for the categories above
Sensory Details
Visuals
Communication
Behavior
*To complete an environmental analysis for the student you are working with, it is best to create one that is specific to your environment and setting.
The Education Portal website also provides information on the Environmental Analysis.
Collecting data on a student is very important as a teacher and as a parent. Collecting data ensures that the student is making progress academically and/or behaviorally. By collecting data, we can see if the student is making progress and which interventions are working. If the data shows the student is not making progress, we know we need to change the intervention. There are a few different ways data can be collected.
This video explains why parents should take data.
There are many different data collection forms available. Below are a few examples. Click the pictures to go to the original links.
Antecedent - Behavior - Consequence (ABC) Data Collection
An ABC data collection sheet is a way to collect information about different behaviors and to see what caused that behavior, the antecedent. After the behavior occurs, the consequence from the behavior is also recorded. It is a good idea to have a section for comments on the collection sheet as well for easy documentation of any other things that are noteworthy.
Scatterplot
A scatterplot is a way of collecting data by intervals. It looks at the behavior and at the time it occurs. It allows teachers and/or parents to determine when the problem behavior is occurring. The scatterplot is a grid with time plotted on the vertical line divided into periods of time. Scatterplots are nice to be able to document how many times a behavior occurs and the duration for which the behavior lasts. However, scatterplots do not allow for collection of the antecedent and consequences.
The video below provides more information on scatterplots.
This document contains four different scatterplots. It will show an example of how to complete the scatterplot on the first page, then it will provide the blank scatterplot on the second page.
Environmental Analysis
An environmental analysis is an evaluation of how student functions in different environments and settings. By using this type of assessment is allows us to see in what skills a student needs to develop in a certain area. Environmental assessments can show what the student's behavior is being affected by in the environment. For example, it can be affected by the physical environment, interactions with others, expectations of the student, or may even be something that is not related to the environment.
The Special Education Advisor website gives the following example about small group reading:
An Environmental Analysis I have created is the following:
The Education Portal website also provides information on the Environmental Analysis.