Understanding IEP Data Collection

📈 Feeling Lost in the World of IEP Data Collection?


If you’ve ever felt like IEP data collection is one big mystery that leaves you scratching your head, trust me—you’re not alone.


Data can be confusing for both parents and teachers, and it's easy to feel like you're stumbling around in the dark. But don’t worry, I’ve got your back. We’ve created something special to break down the art of data collection, so you can finally feel like you’re in control.


Introducing: The Understanding IEP Data Collection for Parents Module

This module, crafted by me (Lisa Lightner of A Day in Our Shoes) and Emily, a special education teacher with a Masters in Special Ed, is your new go-to guide for understanding and using IEP data to truly advocate for your child.


Why This Matters

Let’s be clear: Our goal isn’t to tell teachers how to do their job. It’s about providing accessible and practical resources for parents (and teachers) who want to better understand this crucial part of the IEP process—because let’s face it, you might not be getting this kind of training from your school district.


IDEA—A Guide, Not a Rulebook

IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) tells us that progress monitoring is important, but it doesn’t prescribe exactly how to do it. This means there’s flexibility, and that’s where things can get confusing. But don’t worry—we’re here to make it clear.


What You’ll Learn:

🔍 Understanding IEP Data Collection: Break down what data collection really means and why it’s so important for your child’s education.

📊 The Nuts and Bolts: Get practical advice on what data to collect, how to collect it, and why it matters.

📉 Unlocking Progress Monitoring: Learn how to monitor progress effectively so you always know where your child stands.

🧩 Making Informed Decisions: Understand how data helps you make smart decisions about your child's IEP.

🌟 Rooted in Best Practices: This isn’t just theory—everything is grounded in real-world best practices, so you’ll be prepared to navigate the IEP process with confidence.


Your Path to Clarity

This module isn’t just about learning data; it’s about giving you confidence and some of your personal time back. 


Ready to take control of the data? Dive into the Understanding IEP Data Collection for Parents Module today!






17 Lessons

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Getting Started in IEP Data Collection

An introduction to the content covered in this module

Types of Academic Data (+ a few functional applications) Copy

An intro to Academic Data

Accuracy in IEP Data Collection

• Accuracy

An in-depth look at how and when to take data using accuracy

• Trials

An in-depth look at how and when to take data using trials

Types of Functional Data (+ a few Academic uses)

A quick look at a few methods of taking data that work for mostly functional goals (with some academic exceptions).

• Opportunities

An in-depth look at how and when to take data using opportunities

• Charted Opportunities

An in-depth look at how and when to take data using "charted" opportunities

Types of Functional Data (less-frequently used)

A quick look at a few methods of taking data that will only work for functional goals.

• Duration

An in-depth look at how and when to take duration data

• Latency

An in-depth look at how and when to take latency data

• Frequency

An in-depth look at how and when to take frequency data

• Interval (Whole Interval and Partial Interval)

An in-depth look at how and when to take whole- and partial-interval data

Who can take Data?

Thoughts regarding empowering classroom staff/paraeducators to take IEP data

Creative Ways to Take Data

More ideas for making data taking even easier!

IEP Progress Monitoring

An overview of the "why" and "how" of progress monitoring

Data Sheets

Downloadable, editable data sheets for your classroom