Classroom Behavior Intervention Guide

Downloadable Forms

Step 3: Baseline Data

Before starting your intervention, it is helpful to take some data to establish your starting point and potentially find patterns. For example, the data could reflect that the behavior almost always occurs in the afternoon, during math class, on Mondays, or during transitions. This information can help you determine which interventions may be useful or when they should be implemented.

Start by collecting scatterplot data for approximately one week. Scatterplot data can be collected by time of day or by activity (class schedule). Once completed, the scatterplot will provide a visual representation of the data, which will help to spot trends and identify patterns.

Next, choose which type of data to collect for both baseline and ongoing progress monitoring: frequency, duration, or intensity. As a rule, the data type selected should be able to reflect progress as accurately as possible. For example, the tantrum behavior may still be occurring every afternoon, but the duration of the tantrum is decreasing or perhaps the intensity of the tantrum is decreasing. Continuing to use the scatterplot or using frequency data collection methods would not accurately reflect the decrease in challenging behavior.

Behavior Guide Training Slides Step 3.mp4

Collecting Data Training Video

Behavior Guide Step 3 Graphing.mp4

Online Graphing Training Video

Behavior Guide Step 3 Slides.pdf

Downloadable Slides

Types of Behavior Data Collection

Begin by choosing the type of data that you want to collect (scatterplot, frequency, duration, or intensity) based on the target behavior you are tracking and then the type of form you would like to use (traditional or self-graphing). There are paper and online versions available that will automatically graph the data.

1️⃣Scatterplot

Tracks the occurrence of the behavior by time of day and/or activity.

Start here. Use to determine the times of the day (or the days of the week) that the behavior occurs. This method does not provide the specific frequency or duration of the behavior.

Scatterplot Data Collection Form

2️⃣Frequency

This is a basic count of the behavior. Record each occurrence using a tally mark or a clicker.

Use when the behavior has a clear beginning and end (e.g., count one hit, one incident of flopping, one thrown pencil).

Digital Forms

Scatterplot Data Form McMinn

Frequency Data Form McMinn

Frequency Self Graphing Form.pdf

3️⃣Duration

This measures how long the behavior lasts from beginning to end. Record each occurrence with a timer or stopwatch.

Use when the behavior occurs over a significant or variable length of time (e.g., tantrum, screaming, repetitive behaviors).

4️⃣Intensity

This measures the degree of the behavior using a predetermined rating scale.

Use when the severity of the same behavior can vary significantly. For example, is the screaming ear piercing (can hear down the hall) or just louder than an inside voice?

Duration Data Form McMinn

Duration Self Graphing Form.pdf

Intensity Date Form McMinn

Intensity Self Graphing Form.pdf

Practical Tips

Of course, taking data on behavior while simultaneously running a classroom is not easy. When choosing your data collection method also consider the logistics of how you will manage to accurately collect data without getting overwhelmed.

Only target specific times of the day or activities to collect data depending on which would be the most beneficial for monitoring progress.
Take probe data once or twice a week instead of every day.
For frequency data: use a clicker on a lanyard, tally marks on masking tape on your leg or arm, or Post-it notes.
For duration data, keep a stopwatch or digital timer on a lanyard.
It may be helpful to hang a clipboard with the data sheet in a convenient location and take turns being in charge of data collection with other staff members throughout the day.
For those who like to take data digitally, there are also free data collection apps and timer apps available that you could use o your phone.

The best data is the data that you can keep up with consistently!