Today's slice is going to be quick. It is just one of those days where I am on the go with not much time to spare!
Today I was in a data meeting all day with other data teams from across the elementary buildings in our district. Yes, I said data all day. I know some people's eyes will start to glaze over at just the mention of data. I am one of those weird people who enjoy looking at data and manipulating it. However, by the end of the day my eyes were starting to glaze over as well.
I don't mind all-day data meetings as long as they are productive. Today happened to be one of those days. We started using AIMSweb to progress monitor our third grade students this year. There has been a learning curve to it and I know not all teachers have bought into it, but more are coming on board. When teachers are seeing their kiddos are regressing or flat-lining, there is no denying something may need to change with that student. That's one of the things I like about data. It doesn't lie to you or fluff anything. Some really good conversations are starting to happen with these kiddos who are regressing or flat-lining. I know it takes a lot more work and makes you think outside of the box as a teacher. However, we came into this profession because of the students, not ourselves.
Our district has had a lot of changes in administration this year. This is one of the changes the administration has made. I think it is a welcome and much needed change. Our district has been flat-lining and even regressing for too many years now. It is past time for a change.
Yes, I agree focus on data can be a good thing. Somebody must. Data should give us clues about what we are doing right. Nice post.
ReplyDeleteSadly I moved from a school that looked closely at data to drive instruction and now I'm at a school where data is never looked at. I said this is sad because having used data to make explicit decisions to improve student achievement, now it feels like I am part of a school group that just teaches fun activities but without any reasoning. Sadly, many kids are not getting what the data would definitely inform the staff to teach. I'd glad there are people like you who get it!!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you all are using data to help kids and not bash teachers. Data can help you focus on the needs of a very specific child. I learned to love data about five years ago until then I was very resistant. I thought it was another way to make teachers and children feel bad about themselves. Now I love a good data sheet. Sarah
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