Data Diving:
Assessments are an integral part of education. As educators we assess our students formally and informally frequently throughout the day. We are using that information to make decisions. We have become experts at making fast decisions based on our students' needs in one class period, yet we still seem to struggle with analyzing formal state tests or school wide interims. Why is that? I do not believe is not because we are not capable of doing such a thing, in fact I believe it is the exact opposite. I think we just need some more fine tuning in terms of what to look for and what to do with that data.
Below you will see some data from my school's I-Ready test. We use this test 3 times a year to assess how students are preforming and hopefully progressing. Looking at the data can be daunting if you are not trained how to navigate the system. We call all look at data and make generalizations based on the data, however while analyzing data there are a few things to keep in mind.
Below you will see some data from my school's I-Ready test. We use this test 3 times a year to assess how students are preforming and hopefully progressing. Looking at the data can be daunting if you are not trained how to navigate the system. We call all look at data and make generalizations based on the data, however while analyzing data there are a few things to keep in mind.
This is only one data source that we heavily relied on to drive our mission of increasing rigor. This however, should not be the be all meets all. We should be looking at a variety of data, however, since this was all the data that we had at the beginning of the year this was the best use of data that we could use. Please not that it is best to use a more than one data source. The first step we did was look at data and ask WHY? Asking questions helped us creatively think of why our students are not preforming where we would like them to.
Data Cycle:
1. Evaluate
Before data diving it is important to identify trends, prioritize concerns, determine possible root causes, set targets, and monitor the targets. When identifying trends be sure to make make it factual based and nothing more.
2. Plan
After you have identified the trends, determined possible root causes, and set targets it important to identify where the school meets the federal and state expectations and why.
3. Implement
Lastly, you need to review the current performance, identify trends, and prioritize concerns.
As you see the data cycle is exactly that, a cycle, it is never ending in goes in a continuous motion.
Before data diving it is important to identify trends, prioritize concerns, determine possible root causes, set targets, and monitor the targets. When identifying trends be sure to make make it factual based and nothing more.
2. Plan
After you have identified the trends, determined possible root causes, and set targets it important to identify where the school meets the federal and state expectations and why.
3. Implement
Lastly, you need to review the current performance, identify trends, and prioritize concerns.
As you see the data cycle is exactly that, a cycle, it is never ending in goes in a continuous motion.
Data Resources:
Below are a variety of resources for you to use when analyzing data.
Resources:
School Improvement Planning Basics. (2012, January 18). Retrieved from http://www.ccsd.net/resources/aarsi-school-improvement/pdf/planning/school-improvement-planning-basics-data-analysis
Bernhardt, V. L. (2003). Using data to improve student learning in elementary schools. Larchmont, NY: Eye On Education.
School Improvement Planning Basics. (2012, January 18). Retrieved from http://www.ccsd.net/resources/aarsi-school-improvement/pdf/planning/school-improvement-planning-basics-data-analysis
Bernhardt, V. L. (2003). Using data to improve student learning in elementary schools. Larchmont, NY: Eye On Education.