Data Collection For IEPs: How to collect meaningful data in your special education classroom

Back to school means data collection organization time!  Let’s get organized before these little ones show up…

1. Buy a 1” Binder for each student in your special education classroom
2. Transfer IEP Goals to IEP Data Collection Form & add to binder (make multiple copies)
3. Add academic data collection forms appropriate to your student to the binder
4. Add additional data forms you may need such as behavior data collection forms, arrival routine data forms, transition data forms
5. Add some anecdotal record forms where you can take notes that may not apply directly to specific data 
6. Add any curriculum based data forms or academic data collection forms  you may need
7. Breathe a big sigh of relief!

You may have your own data collection forms that work for you students.  It took me years to get to the point where I was happy with my data sheets and I still continue to change them often.  Here are some resources if you are looking for some data forms for your students:

• FREE Arrival Routine Data Collection Form:  I like to use this one to determine their functional independence level and it’s also a great way to measure progress over time to include in present levels of performance on their IEP.  
• IEP Data Collection Form– This form works for me & I have made it editable so you are able to change it if you need it.
• Behavior Forms:  Ugh this has been a work in progress…but I am happy with these forms and continue to make new ones based on the needs of my students.  I use these to help develop Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP) & collect data for BIPs.
• Transition & Play Data Collection Forms:  Depending on my student’s IEP goals I may use these forms, as well as collect data for their present levels in their reports for IEP meetings.  
• Academic Data Collection Forms:  These are geared toward younger learners (basic academics such as colors, shapes, letters, numbers, sorting, fine motor skills)
• BUNDLE of Data Collection:  IEP Forms & Academic Forms

Data collection can be very overwhelming, however if you can get organized & individualize to each of your student’s needs that can be the most difficult part!