If you support students receiving special education services, you’ve probably done at least one of the following when it comes to data collection:
✔️ Written data on something random and then lost it
✔️ Used goal sheets that were a month out of date
✔️ Taken notes so messy you couldn’t read them later
✔️ Only wrote down the activity but forgot the data on actual performance
✔️ Skipped taking data altogether
✔️ Had no idea where your notes were when someone asked
✔️ Had piles of data you never actually used
The truth is, most of these issues come down to one thing: we’re using systems that don’t fit the realities of our work. Paper is familiar, and sometimes still useful, but it’s not always reliable or easy to access when we need it most.
We’re being asked to document more, justify more, and plan more than ever. So if your current system isn’t cutting it, it’s not your fault. It’s time to try something that’s built for how school-based teams actually operate.
Why Digital Data Makes a Difference Now
Digital data collection only works if it saves you time and gives you something back. Kit for Team’s instruction tools were designed with that exact goal in mind.
Here’s what changed everything for me:
Auto-scoring and custom calculators
Track percentages, frequency, duration, or any other measure that makes sense for a student’s goal. You decide how the data is calculated, and Kit takes care of the math.
Cueing and support level tracking
Know at a glance how much support a student needed, and see how that support changes over time.
Graphs you don’t have to create
Visuals are built as you go. They’re easy to pull up during meetings or progress checks without any extra formatting or spreadsheet work.
Built-in timers and audio recording
Track time on tasks or total group minutes with one click. Need to capture a student’s response during a session? Use the built-in audio tool for later reference.
Instructional summaries and goal-linked notes
Your session notes live right alongside the goal data. You can reflect, plan, and document in the same place.
Attach lessons, build plans, and track services
Kit connects your data to your instruction. Whether you’re adding a pre-made lesson or writing your own, everything stays connected to your goals and session notes.
Downloadable reports for team use or Medicaid
Export clean, readable summaries and logs that meet documentation needs and simplify collaboration.
Three Things You Can Do Right Now
Even if you’re not ready to switch to a digital system, here are three small changes that can make data work better for you:
1. Choose one method for each student or group and stick to it
2. Write your notes like someone else will be reading them later — even if that someone is future you
3. Review your notes regularly so you can spot trends and adjust your instruction, not just when a progress report or IEP is due
If you’re using a paper-based system or want to see how others are organizing physical materials, this short video from Texas SPED Support shows how educators are using data bins and student folders to track progress, support behavior plans, and determine grades.
Final Thoughts
Data isn’t just about compliance. It’s a reflection of student progress, evidence of your specially designed instruction, and the information your team needs to move forward. You’re already collecting data. The question is whether your system makes it easier or harder to use.
If you’re already using Kit, explore the latest instruction updates. If you’re not yet using Kit, try the 14-day free trial (no credit card needed). It might be the one thing that helps data collection feel doable again.
Start my free 14-day trial → kitforteams.com