Doing+the+Data+Dance

=Doing the Data Dance= Friday, October 20, 2006 - Presented by Jane Korsten & Joy Zabala Posted by Missy Jansen melissa.jansen@sendit.nodak.edu

=__Why Should We Collect Data?__=


 * 1) To clearly identify the expected result
 * 2) To establish precise criteria for success
 * 3) To systematically evaluate ongoing efforts
 * 4) To recognize and work to remove continuing barriers
 * 5) To adjust implementation when necessary

=__Types of Data Collection Sheets__=
 * 1) Consistancy Log
 * 2) Simple as using colored paperclips and transferring them from one pocket to the other throught the day when the target behavior is seen.


 * __Trivia:__** What is the ultimate data sheet??......................Clue Record Sheets!

When collecting data, we must begin with the end in mind - __Identify the Goal__
- Immediately useful - Frequently appropriate - Compatible with the current and future environment - Socially valid - it matters! - What you want to change - Do you want to increase or decrease the behavior? - Do you want to change something about you or someone else?
 * Select goals that are:
 * Think about:

=__7 Steps to Data Collection__=

__Step 1__ - Identify Expected change

 * acquisition of target skills
 * participation in target activities
 * areas of expected change: independence; rate (+/-); accuracy; quantity; frequency; spontaneity; duration; other

__Step 2__ - Present Level of Performance and Achievement

 * What is going on now?
 * Identify implementation steps

__Step 3__ - What Obstacles May Inhibit Success?

 * physical success
 * opportunity
 * practice
 * skill
 * attitude
 * medical
 * other

__Step 4__ - Measurment Strategy
- discussions - record review - work samples - interviews - observations - video/audio samples - hands-on activities - trials - tests
 * Determine evidence (data) to be collected
 * What "counts" as data? - Anything that will provide a means to compare the outcomes
 * Sources and Methods of Data:


 * Six Simple Rules to Check Data & Data Collection - Is the data:
 * 1) Simple?
 * 2) Immediate?
 * 3) Measureable?
 * 4) Practical?
 * 5) Logical?
 * 6) Effective?

__Step 5__ - Data Plan
- Getting it Done!
 * What needs to be done?
 * Who will do it?
 * Where?
 * By when?
 * Who will lead?
 * What is the schedule for review?

- Data Collection Tips
 * Environmentally friendly data collection
 * % of opportunities (do they exist?)
 * # of occurences (how often?)
 * Level of cue (are they provided?)
 * Change in rate, amount, etc.

__Step 6__ - Data Review

 * Do the data answer the question?
 * What do they tell you?
 * Did expected changes occur? If not, why not?
 * Were there unexpected changes?
 * Did tools contribute?
 * What else contributed?

__Step 7__ - Identify Needed change
- strategies - environment - expectations - tasks - training - tools
 * What are you going to do in response to the data?
 * can you communicate the connection?
 * What needs to be done to improve performance or achievement?
 * Evaluation of efectivenes: clearly defined responsibilities; related to one or more goals

A Good Site for Considering Data: [|Quality Indicators for Assistive Technology Services (QIAT)] If you are interested in a Assistive Technology Evaluation Plan Summary Data Sheet, please e-mail me at melissa.jansen@sendit.nodak.edu

Keep In Mind:

 * Data Must be used for something (someone must look at it at least) in order for it to be important
 * You must advocate if the data you are collecting is not useful