Data collection is so so important to teaching and especially if you are a special education teacher. But how do you manage it all? Instructional data, reading fluency, IEP goals, accommodations, social skills goals, testing... It feels like it never ends.
So let's talk about ways to collect IEP data. I know that collecting IEP data can be a bear to manage, while also being one of the most important parts of your job. College teaches you the data collection methods but not a system that works in practice with all the things that happen is a classroom daily. It took me a few school years to figure out how to effectively collect data on goals and even longer to learn how to use that data. But I have figured out a system that works for me and I hope it will help you too!
IEP Work Setup and Tips
Step 1: Schedule 30-45 minutes into your day for IEP/ independent work
During this time period reserve the adults in the room for IEP work. Each adult can work with one student for 15-20 minutes hitting 2-3 IEP goals or objectives during that time period. If a student is not working with you or other classroom staff, you can have them do independent work (task cards, typing, worksheets, self-selected reading, etc.) or let them have a break during that time. (Remember waiting is also a life skill so a little down time isn't a bad thing!)
Step 2: Create your data sheets for each student.
I like to create student folders with all data sheets in them with a master copy for quick access for copies as needed. Students get their folders during IEP work time and work one on one with the adults in the room.
I have also used plastic shoe bins in the past with students who required a lot of manipulatives to complete their IEP goals. I prefer student folders because bins take up so much room.
I love graphing data sheets. They help you visually see progress and they can also help develop some staff buy in. I use the data sheets pictured here. You have up to 19 spots for what you are measuring (sight words, a task analysis, coin combinations, etc.). You graph directly onto our data sheet. Check out the example below!
Step 3: Create individual IEP schedules
This takes some time but it's worth it in the end! Divide your students' IEP goals across the days of the week. The goal is to hit each goal at least 2 times a week. I like to prioritize goals that need more repetition on Mondays/ Wednesdays/ Fridays so we hit them 3 days a week. Doing this allows you and your staff to hit all of the IEP goals within a week and also gives you a minimum of 2 data points a week on a goal.
I don't know about you, but I have goals that I enjoy working on more than others (looking at you addition and subtracting with regrouping). Which means if given the opportunity I work on goals I enjoy working on more than others and end up with a ton of data points on one and barely any on another goal. Which is not great for progress reporting.
Examples of IEP goals schedules. I don't usually put the entire goal on there or mastery criteria so that it is easy to see what task needs to get done on that day.
Step 4: Train your staff!
This is arguably the most important step of this if you want it to run efficiently and want to collect valid data.
Develop a data collection key of prompt levels or a simple +/- for correct/ incorrect responses. I always use a + for correct answers no matter the type of skill. It's easier for me than switching between i for independent and + for discrete trial skills.
I typically like to model how I want IEP work to go for my staff. So in the beginning they sit with me and a student and mark their own data while I do the same. After the student is finished we compare data collection and talk about different ways to count it. Then switch roles and let my teacher's assistant lead IEP work while I am there to support if needed. Sometimes my assistants love to be supported and have questions (that we talk about when the student is done) and sometimes they feel confident and ready to rock IEP work on their own. Leaving you open to work with another student.
Step 5: Collect that data! Make a student rotation schedule if you need to add more structure.
This step is to be like Nike and just do it. Work to teach the routine to your students and enjoy data collection becoming much more manageable. This should make sure you have balanced data collection and also keeps you from trying to collect data on individual goals during your academic instruction.
If you have students with behaviors or who really need structure you can schedule when each student works and with who. This also allows you to know who is on a break when they aren't doing IEP work or who should be doing independent work. I don't currently do this but have in the past and it runs really smoothly. My group of students currently ask to go first because they want to earn their break.
Step 6: Review your data every 2 weeks
We won't go into that today! I don't want to overwhelm you, but be on the lookout for another blog about it.
I hope you have found something that you can use in this post! Data collection doesn't have to be something that causes more stress in your life. Personally, I think it's super interesting and gives a lot of information to use for progress reporting, writing present levels and making instructional decisions.
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