I am thrilled to introduce special educator and BCBA, Caitlin Beltran, as a guest blogger. Caitlin is easily the biggest advocate I know for digital data collection. I learned so much from this blog post, and I hope it inspires you to check out more streamlined ways to take and analyze student data.
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If you are a fellow educator, you have almost definitely heard this phrase:
“Without data, you’re just another person with an opinion.”
While I am passionate about collecting data, I admit this was overwhelming me during my first classroom teaching experience. I was comfortable taking individual data points throughout the day, but I had no idea how to log and summarize this over time. I wanted to analyze my data so that it could be useful in making decisions in my classroom; however, carving out time to graph, let alone analyze, the data seemed an insurmountable task.
Luckily, this coincided with my discovery and eventual love of all things Google! I began exploring ways to ditch the cumbersome paper and pencil graphs I had been using, and quickly graph my ever growing piles of data with resources such as Google Sheets or Google Forms. I found over time that the more efficiently I could graph data to create a visual of a learner’s progress, the more time I had to analyze this data and actually use it to implement new strategies. Digital data collection to the rescue.
Collecting Data
First to be clear, I still have a large place for paper data collection in my classroom! Using consistent and user-friendly data sheets can make things easier on both you and your support staff members. I primarily collect both skill and behavior data using paper data sheets, such as these. However, collecting the data is only the first half the battle. We all know that in order for this data to be useful, it should be reviewed frequently.
Graphing Data
To avoid accumulating stacks and stacks of paper data sheets, I began storing my data in Google Sheets. I found that once a graph template was created, daily data could be entered in only minutes per day! I also learned that I could duplicate a graph template to use for another skill, behavior, or student. With Google’s sharing capabilities, I was able to easily collaborate with team members by giving them access to the files. Any updates to the graphs, all team members could see in real time! Digital data collection has allowed for more organization AND collaboration among team members.
If I had a paraprofessional to assist me in graphing, I would provide them edit access (all other viewers were given “view only” access, so that no one could accidentally change my data!). One of the best features to me was the fact that my data was always protected. Short of going to File and selecting “Move to trash”, it was virtually impossible for the data to be lost (Even if I somehow did this in my sleep, the file could still be recovered from the trash!).
Analyzing Data
Having been trained that all decisions in my classroom should be data-based, using Google Sheets allowed me to finally have the time to analyze my learners’ progress with each individual skill being tracked. When looking at a behavior graph, I can spot trends or patterns as they’re occurring. If disruptive behaviors are trending up, I can start brainstorming new strategies to trial for a behavior plan. If a learner has mastered specific skills within an IEP goal, I can start baselining new target skills for them to learn. Digital data collection has made the analyzing piece of data so much simpler and more streamlined.
Do you currently use Google resources to track your data? Connect with me on Instagram (@BeltransBehaviorBasics). I love to get messages from people who need help getting started with digital data collection!
If you are new, here are some FREE resources to get you started:
Free IEP Goal Tracker (Google Sheet)