Behavior Monitoring

One of the main parts of my job is to shape behavior.  Sometimes when I'm sitting in the eye of the storm (ex. simultaneous screaming children) it is difficult to make good decision with regard to interventions and progress.  Therefor, I write-down everything!!!!  I use sticky notes, construction paper, whiteboards, spreadsheets (SO many spreadsheets), my hand, my arm,  I have even been known to use a piece of masking tape stuck to my pants (true story).  If  it's not written down, it doesn't exist.  I'm a little Type A (ok, a lot Type A) about behavior monitoring and I drive my co-workers a little crazy.  I don't want to guess at numbers- I want solid hard DATA.  Sometimes the data tells me things aren't as bad as they seem, other times it is a HUGE wake-up call.

Once I look at the data, things are always more clear.  I analyze, analyze, and analyze again.  Sometimes there isn't a pattern, but usually there is.  I can see if there is a particular time, day, person, texture, noise, routine, etc...that trigger a particular behavior.  The data tells me what direction I need to head with my intervention and it gives me confidence to make informed decisions.  In addition, it has been my experience that parents really appreciate the hard data. If you are looking for new ways of tracking data- I recently posted a pack of seven different charts/logs/spreadsheets that may be useful.  Here is the link if you are interested in purchasing any items.  http://www.teacherspayteachers.com/Product/Behavior-Monitoring-Charts-Logs-for-any-Classroom-815670

Good luck & Happy Analyzing!