Show Me the Data!: Data-based Instructional Decisions Made Simple and Easy

Data collection is one of the critical elements of an effective, efficient, and accountable program that supports student development and learning. However, many intervention teams struggle to develop reasonable and sustainable methods of gathering information about student performance and progress. Now comes SHOW ME THE DATA! This must-have resource consists of a brief discussion on data collection accompanied by a CD containing a comprehensive compilation of data sheets to help make that once-dreaded task easier and simpler. The data sheets are of two types: generic forms appropriate for students of any age and/or ability and forms focusing on specific skills appropriate mostly for young children or children with significant cognitive delays. Forms may be customized for particular programs and individual students. Finally, to help teams figure out what to do with the data once they have been collected, samples of completed data sheets and easy-to-use graphs are included as a model for how teams can display their data visually and evaluate the effectiveness of intervention and efficacy of their program and/or intervention.

RinaMarie Leon-Guerrero, PhD, BCBA-D, is an educational consultant with PEERS Play, where she facilitates social skill groups and provides other behavioral therapy services. She has over 16 years experience working with children with autism and related disorders and their families. Formerly a classroom teacher, she earned her doctorate at the University of Washington. Her studies focused on reading instruction, rehabilitation medicine, and effective interventions to promote the social and emotional development of young children with ASD. Jaime Martin, MEd, is lead teacher in a pilot program designed to reintegrate students with severe challenging behavior into neighborhood elementary schools. Previously, she was an assistant teacher in Project DATA (Developmentally Appropriate Treatment for Autism) and ran social skills groups for preschoolers and young elementary students with ASD at the University of Washington s EEU. Before coming to the University of Washington, Jaime was a medical director and supervisor at a camp for students with disabilities in New York. She has been working with children and youth with disabilities in school and community settings for over 10 years. Chris Matsumoto, MEd, is principal of the University of Washington s Experimental Education Unit (EEU), a comprehensive early childhood program that provides services to children with and without disabilities and their families from birth to kindergarten. Prior to taking on the leadership of the EEU, Chris served as head teacher in the Infant Toddler Program at the EEU and then assistant principal and head trainer. He teaches regularly in the College of Education at the University of Washington.