Beyond the Gradebook: Using student data to guide teaching

In this episode, Heather sits down with Alex Grosso, a school-based BCBA working in a hybrid clinic-school model, to talk about what it really looks like to use student data to guide meaningful decisions. While Heather shares how this practice shows up in school-based special education—through informal assessments, daily observations, and teacher instinct—Alex offers insight into a very different world: one where insurance companies drive what gets approved and what doesn’t.Together, they unpack how different systems shape what kind of data gets collected, how it's interpreted, and who it ultimately serves. They talk about the tension between capturing detailed, accurate information and keeping data collection doable for busy educators. Alex shares how his team builds plans that aim to fade out support while building teacher capacity—and why he sees progress as not just student growth, but adults working together better too.This conversation goes beyond charts and checklists. It’s about figuring out what really works for students, in real time, with real constraints. And it’s a reminder that the best decisions are the ones backed by data and driven by care.Explore More with Us inside The TLC Network!Learn more in this episode’s show notes and join a vibrant community of behavior-focused school professionals committed to their professional growth.Join Our NewsletterStay updated with our latest episodes and receive exclusive content every week. Sign up now!Follow Us on Social MediaConnect with us on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook for weekly updates and behind-the-scenes content. Tag us @thresholdlearningtlc to engage with us across all platforms!Subscribe to Our PodcastEnjoyed today’s episode? Share it with friends and never miss an episode on your favorite platform: YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and more!Support Our MissionLove what you hear? Support our efforts to empower local schools to support complex youth. Visit TLC Nonprofit to learn more.Send Us Your FeedbackHave questions or ideas for future episodes? Reach out to us at [email protected] — we’d love to hear from you!