7. Measure the results

Once the interventions and/or modifications are put into action, the team’s job is to measure the results to see how well they are working. For any inappropriate behavior for which the team has collected data, a focus should be on three areas: 1) the rate of reduction of the problem behavior, 2) the rate of increase in use of alternate skills, and 3) the positive side effects resulting from the improved behavior (i.e. peer acceptance, grades improve, etc.)

Another round of data collection is in order after supports and interventions have been in place for a reasonable period of time. This data can be compared with the frequency/severity of the behavior in the baseline data, as well as how effectively new behaviors have developed to take their place.

What variables might impact measurement of behavior? Behavior is not always dependent upon one antecedent, is it often intertwined with many factors. These factors are important to take into account when gauging baseline or subsequent data. If the environment varies from day to day, so will the behavior. Overcrowding, availability of attention, stimulus overloading, task difficulty, motivation, comprehension of instructional demands, sequence or timing of activities, prerequisite skills, effective teaching and support, illness or fatigue can cause fluctuations in data. In other words, if the student understood the curriculum in chapter 4 when baseline data was taken, but is struggling with chapter 5, changes in behavior may be partially due to the inability to understand the demands – a condition that did not exist the first time around.

Once again, the team must collaborate on the need for fine-tuning, revamping the entire plan, or calling in needed professional assistance. It is a good idea to have time scheduled for long-term collaboration (that can easily be cancelled if unneeded rather than not scheduling the time and then having to rush the process).

Don’t forget to celebrate your successes, and this is a very good reason to meet even if everything is going like clockwork! Knowing their efforts have been recognized as having produced positive results leads to team members’ continued adherence to the plan, increased willingness to develop a plan for other children when needed, and improved skills in developing future plans.