To get the most out of this Sample Behavior Tracking Form, follow these simple steps for accurate and consistent data collection. This form helps you track both frequency (how often a behavior occurs) and duration (how long a behavior lasts) for specific target behaviors—whether you’re decreasing challenging behaviors or increasing positive skills. Consistent use of this form provides valuable insights into student progress and helps teams make data-driven decisions.
- Identify the behaviors you want to track. Label the columns at the top of each section for both a Challenging Behavior to Decrease (e.g., “Work Refusal”) and a Positive Behavior to Increase (e.g., “Taking Space” or “Using Coping Strategies”).
- Record the date and any relevant comments in the top columns. Comments can provide helpful context, like setting events or changes in routine.
- For the Challenging Behavior to Decrease: Enter start and stop times for the behavior where both frequency AND duration are important during the observation period (e.g., how often AND how long a student refused to work).
- For the Positive Behavior to Increase: Enter the count (frequency) for how many times a specific behavior occurred during the observation period (e.g., the number of times a student asked for a break appropriately).
- Graph and review the data regularly with your team to identify trends. Look for decreases in challenging behavior and increases in positive skills.
