A BCBA and former teacher explains why "Data or it didn't happen" is unrealistic in classrooms. Large class sizes and limited staff make continuous data collection impossible, and the phrase dismisses real events that weren't recorded. She wants practical data systems instead of guilt-driven mandates.
You know that saying, "Data or it didn't happen"? Well, you know what? I hate that. I hate that so much. As a BCBA, I hate that. So, I'm BCBA. Obviously, we love our data. Data's great. But you know what? I'm also a former classroom teacher, and within the classroom, you are not able to take data every single time something happens. It is just not possible. The class sizes are too big, the staff sizes are too low, there's too many things happening. And this whole data or it didn't happen puts this ridiculous pressure on teachers. No way, right? And also, what, we're just gonna ignore things because we didn't take data on it? Oh well, I didn't get to take that on that, so I'm just gonna pretend it didn't happen? That makes literally no sense. Do we need consistent, easy-to-use data systems? Absolutely. But data or it didn't happen is not the way.
