Free Baseline Data Sheet
A free printable baseline data sheet for recording a skill before instruction starts. Log each probe, the score, and the prompt level, then print it, type into the fillable PDF, or export to Excel to average the starting number.
- Baseline Data Summary
- Free printable PDF
- Fillable in browser
A baseline data sheet captures where a skill sits before instruction starts, so later progress has something to be measured against. Each row is one probe: the date, the opportunity you presented, the score, the prompt level you had to give, and a note. Collected across a few sessions, these rows become the starting number a goal and its progress reports point back to.
Run the probes before you begin teaching, and keep prompting minimal so the score reflects what the student can already do on their own. A skill that looks absent under full support might be emerging with a gesture prompt, and the prompt-level column is where that shows. Two or three sessions give a steadier baseline than a single day, which can swing on mood or novelty.
Once you have a baseline, it feeds the rest of the paperwork. The number anchors the present levels statement, sets a realistic target for the goal, and gives progress reports a floor to compare against. Bring the sheet to the IEP team so the goal that gets written starts from recorded data rather than a guess about where the student is.
When to use it
Use this sheet before writing or starting a new goal, when the team needs a clear starting point. It suits teachers and providers gathering pre-instruction data that will anchor a present levels statement and set a measurable target.
Customization tips
- Run the same probe across two or three sessions so the baseline is not skewed by a single off day.
- Record the prompt level honestly, since an independent score and a fully prompted one mean very different starting points.
- Keep the opportunity wording consistent so the baseline and later progress checks measure the same skill.
- Export to Excel to average the baseline scores and drop the figure straight into a goal or present levels draft.
Frequently asked questions
- What is baseline data?
- Baseline data is the record of a skill before teaching begins. It shows the student's starting level so any later change can be measured against it. Without a baseline, there is no fair way to say a goal has been met.
- How many sessions of baseline do I need?
- Two or three probes across different sessions usually give a steadier picture than one. A single day can be thrown off by mood or novelty, so a short series is more reliable before you set a target.
- Should I prompt during baseline?
- Keep prompting to a minimum so the score reflects what the student can already do independently. If you do assist, record the prompt level, because a prompted response is a different starting point from an independent one.
- How does baseline connect to the IEP?
- The baseline anchors the present levels statement and sets a realistic target for the goal. Progress reports then compare current performance back to it. Drawing the goal from recorded baseline data keeps it defensible.
- Can I fill it in on a computer?
- Yes. The fillable PDF has a field for every cell, and the Excel export lets you average scores quickly. The printable version stays available for clipboards, and all three use the same layout.