RTI Tip for Teachers Conducting a Student Observation

When students present behaviors that consistently interfere with teaching and learning, school staff must objectively identify and quantify those behaviors. The teacher, or another team member, accomplishes this by conducting one or more systematic twenty to thirty minute student observations. This identifies the current rate of behavior, referred to as baseline data. The factors that occur directly before the behavior, or antecedents, as well as any resulting post behavior consequences, are also noted. Two of the most bothersome behaviors are prioritized for intervention purposes.

Here’s an easy way for educators to teach while conducting a student observation at the same time:

Place 2 pieces of masking tape on your wrist, one for the behavior that most interferes with learning and the other for the second behavior of concern.

Number the tape 1 and 2, respectively and make ink slash marks on the corresponding appropriate piece of tape every time that particular behavior occurs.

Upon completion of the observation, record the frequency as noted on the tapes for a baseline so that you can compare it to future data.

From Professional Learning Board’s online continuing education course for teachers: RTI – Using Metaphors to Change Behavior