Data collection is the process of gathering and analyzing accurate data from various sources to find answers, research problems, and evaluate possible outcomes.
Purpose
- Make data part of an ongoing cycle of instructional improvement.
- Establish a clear data vision that is easily accessible.
- Foster a data-driven culture - dedicated time for structured collaboration.
- Empower students to invest in their learning and look for trends, opportunities, roadblocks, and solutions.
Common Challenges
- Limited Professional Development Time
- Lack of Resources to Support System
- Varying Technology Skill Levels
- Lack of understanding of using data
- Difficult to engage users
SDS Data Available To Users
- All your data all together for maximum efficiency and efficacy
- Risk Indicators: Behavior, Attendance, Grades, Assessments
- Quick Profiles, Spotlights, Student Groups
- SWIS, SEL, Customization
Actions - Identification of District/School Initiatives or Goals
- Create a clear vision/goal. Choose a clear point of focus and a strategic data point to track.
- How does your school define and measure success? What matters to you?
- What aspects of learning development or progress do you want to understand better?
- What is the best evidence to look at to work out how our students are progressing?
- What data can help predict outcomes? (work completion, teacher/student engagement)
- Which students do you wish to focus on to anchor your analysis? (demographic, population, academic level, attendance, behavior, programs)
- What is your target date?
- Select a data collection approach and gather data information.
- Do you want to take a collaborative assessment approach or a data-driven dialogue approach?
- Who are the stakeholders?
School Board / Community Members |
Broad Spectrum Student Achievement, Improvement, Support |
Administration / Central Office |
Student Classroom, Classroom Pedology, Behavior, Attendance |
Counselors |
Scheduling, Needs of Students |
IT (Information Technology |
Differentiated Access, Support, Maintenance, Enhancement, Challenges |
Teachers, Support Staff |
Students/ Class, Strengths/Weaknesses, Academic Progress |
Support Staff |
Interventions |
Student/Parent/Guardian |
Track and Compare Overall Progress Over Time |
- Interpret the data / Assessment Plan. Discover root causes beyond just test scores.
- What do you see? (I observe_____)
- What are the trends? (I can count_____, I see patterns_____)
- What questions does this raise? What problems or issues need work? (I’m surprised at_____)
- Determine the implications
- Policy reporting (State and Local Education Agencies (SEA, LEA)
- Teaching /Learning (I predict_____) *NOTE - Instead of making a judgment, ask what evidence supports an assumption or belief. (I need additional data that would help_____)
- Create a framework to initiate change and build instruction plans and adjustments. Create a focus on specific actions and outcomes.
- Fill in the opportunity gaps. Find resources to meet needs. Use or redirect new and existing resources. (skills, support, interventions, equity, professional development)
- Do questions arise? (additional data that would guide solutions are____)
- Stakeholders (Expectations are influenced by)
- Track growth and measure success. Examine Progress.
Examples
- Distribute responsibilities. Create a response team. Engage the larger community in dialogue and change.
- Simplify data management. Use visual charts and data tracking tables that are sustainable, low-stake, bi-weekly metrics that all stakeholders can use.
- Create targeted Professional Development that is job-embedded and relevant. Address critical problems, examine the underlying root, and implement actions to address the problems using accessible data.
- Cultivate school boards with a common framework of principles and values to support the schools.
- Have a “Data Night” hosted by the school (Student Led Conferences, Junior/Senior Information Night)
- Differentiate instruction. Create a broad spectrum of experiences and opportunities for all to succeed. (whole vs. small groups, time management, guided hands-on student-centered environments)
Homeroom Dashboard Specific
Next Steps
- Edit Dashboards - Too much overwhelms users.
- Reorganize Containers
- Separate data and training for elementary and secondary
- Create additional data sets to display
- Collect detailed student data to support chart displays (subgroups).
- Keep users engaged - highlight the most useful data
- Create Reminders
- Schedule time at staff meetings to inform, collaborate, and share.
- Highlight specific data sets to support work - recurring tasks that align to work and goals, eval.
- Report needs or tracking of students, conferences, state requirements, and grants
- Plan training around key dates in the school year - newly available data releases
- Break instructions down into small, focused tasks
- Prepare before training - Check permissions, default dashboards, and student groups
Tips and Tricks
School Data Solutions Help Articles: https://support.schooldata.net
Homeroom Dashboards - Navigating The Home Page
Homeroom Dashboards - Basic Dashboard Navigation
Homeroom Dashboards - Container Tools
Homeroom Dashboards - Student Groups
Homeroom Dashboards - Delving Into Data
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