Free latency data sheet

Use this sheet for goals about how quickly a student starts after a cue, such as beginning independent work after a direction or following a transition signal. Latency is measured from the end of the cue to the start of the defined response.

Rows

Include a fictional example row

Latency tracker

Latency

Student label:
Target:
Mastery rule:
Collection schedule:
Method:: Latency recording
Data collector:

Latency tracker
Date	Instruction / cue	Cue given (time)	Response began (time)	Latency (seconds)	Support levele.g., independent, 1 verbal prompt	Notes

Preview shows 6 of 15 rows.

Start timing when the cue ends (for example, the end of the direction). Stop when the defined response begins.
Record latency in seconds. Shorter latency means faster starts.
Use a stopwatch or a timer app. Avoid estimating from the clock when measuring seconds.

When to use this sheet

Task initiation
Responding to directions or transition signals
Returning to work after a break

How to use it

Start timing when the cue ends. Stop when the defined first response begins, such as picking up a pencil and writing.
Use a stopwatch for seconds. Clock times are too rough for short latencies.
Record the cue wording so you can compare similar situations.

Questions

Why not count how many times a student starts work on time?

You can, as an opportunities goal (“begins within 2 minutes in 4 of 5 opportunities”). Latency keeps the actual time, which shows gradual progress that a yes/no count would miss.