This week we had to examine a data system that we have no experience with and present it to our classmates. This is something that will be asked of us as administrators so I was glad to have the opportunity to do this now and practice. Data is extremely important in education. You could almost say it drives education. Teachers help students learn content and then assess students on that content. This provides the teacher with data on whether the students mastered that content. Teachers can then take that data to provide interventions and enrichment activities for students. Without assessments and data, teachers would not be able to evaluate how well students are doing in the classroom. Of course this is not the only form of data that is collected in education.
There are all types of data collected in education: attendance, assessments, demographics, programs and more. All types of data support decision making at all levels within an educational agency. Assessment data helps educators make decisions on what content areas need improvement, which can help make decisions about professional development to support these areas. Attendance data helps educators make decisions on what types of programs are available at schools to enhance attendance. Demographic data helps educators make decisions about which subgroups need extra interventions within school sites. All of these unique sets of data can help students get the best educational experience. Therefore, it is vital that all educators are aware of what kinds of data are available to them and how it can be used to improve their schools.
If teachers do not understand the sources of data, it can cause problems. For example, educators need to understand that the current state assessments are based on the new Common Core State Standards, are administered digitally and are still in the beginning years of being administered. Taking the data from these assessments as a completely accurate portrayal of student proficiency in grade level content would not be the best idea. Digital tests can have many problems and may be harder for students to navigate. The new set of standards are still being taught at varying degrees in each classroom so students may not have access to new curriculum. The assessment will then only show a limited analysis of certain students’ capabilities. Therefore, it is vital that teachers understand the sources of data when using it to inform teaching or to provide supports for specific students.
In all, data is an extremely valuable resource in education, but should be used wisely. Educators need to be aware of where data comes from and how they can use it. Administrators will need to take an active role in educating their staff about data, its sources and how it is used. Informing staff about how data works and how it should be used will ensure it is support student learning instead of causing problems.
There are all types of data collected in education: attendance, assessments, demographics, programs and more. All types of data support decision making at all levels within an educational agency. Assessment data helps educators make decisions on what content areas need improvement, which can help make decisions about professional development to support these areas. Attendance data helps educators make decisions on what types of programs are available at schools to enhance attendance. Demographic data helps educators make decisions about which subgroups need extra interventions within school sites. All of these unique sets of data can help students get the best educational experience. Therefore, it is vital that all educators are aware of what kinds of data are available to them and how it can be used to improve their schools.
If teachers do not understand the sources of data, it can cause problems. For example, educators need to understand that the current state assessments are based on the new Common Core State Standards, are administered digitally and are still in the beginning years of being administered. Taking the data from these assessments as a completely accurate portrayal of student proficiency in grade level content would not be the best idea. Digital tests can have many problems and may be harder for students to navigate. The new set of standards are still being taught at varying degrees in each classroom so students may not have access to new curriculum. The assessment will then only show a limited analysis of certain students’ capabilities. Therefore, it is vital that teachers understand the sources of data when using it to inform teaching or to provide supports for specific students.
In all, data is an extremely valuable resource in education, but should be used wisely. Educators need to be aware of where data comes from and how they can use it. Administrators will need to take an active role in educating their staff about data, its sources and how it is used. Informing staff about how data works and how it should be used will ensure it is support student learning instead of causing problems.