2 Data Collection Tips for Special Education

Want some data collection tips? Maybe all complied in a binder or all over your classroom? Not sure where your data forms are? Or worse, you don’t even have a system yet? 

My first years of teaching was a disaster, I had paper data sheets EVERYWHERE!!  I often put off analyzing data until progress reports were due. Something needed to change. I had to find a better system that I could analyze and use that data to drive my instruction.  Here are a few data collection tips!

Find a system that works for you. If you are a digital person, read through the digital data collection section below. Now, if you prefer a binder system or paper documentation read through the bottom section! Find what works for you or try both!

Digital Data Collection

In most years, I’ve used digital Google Forms and QR codes for secure data collection and easy data analysis. This year, not so much. I’ve had little staff in my room to help support me in all this and no time to train the staff on the digital aspects.

If you’re looking to get your data collection digital tips, here’s a step by step guide to get started!

You can also check out this Zoom call I did last summer to explain you how to set up Google Forms for data collection if you need step by step directions visually.

Collect Data on Paper

This year, I’ve been creating my digital data forms in Google Forms, but then printing out the form to use for paper data. This has helped involve the other adults in the room with very little training. I also help oversee all this tracking.

They will fill out the forms and return them to me for each student. Collectively, we have made this work. I will then input all the data in the Google form.

Your data also doesn’t have to be fancy! You can use sticky notes, paper, tally marks, timers and so many other things. I have also tried using clipboards and binder systems for each student. Ultimately, do what works best for you!

These click counters have been amazing for frequency of a behavior data collection tips!

Want to have your digital data all set up for you? Check out this resource!