Monday, February 1, 2010
Leadership Class #2
Data is something that has taken me awhile to "buy" into. When I was a kindergarten teacher, it was really hard because there was not a lot of data there for me to use. As time went along, I realized that I could be collecting data on so many more things that I was. Now as a third grade teacher, data really helps me to drive my instruction. When I give a math assessment, I fill out a form that tells me the areas that my children did not score well in so that I know to go back and reteach the concept so that they have a better understanding. I also use data with the kids reading and spelling levels. Three times a year I give a district assessment for both and use the data that I gather to help me make groups where the kids are working at their level of comfort. Then the kids that need a little bit extra help can get it and those that are way above grade level can go beyond. Data has really helped me become a better teacher. I am not saying that I am ALL about data, but it can be very useful when used the right way.
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Well, the reality is that we're all being judged based on the data that our school produces. I think that the teachers and administrators who start trying to interpret the data available to them will put themselves in a position to ensure success much quicker than those who don't.
One thing to take into consideration is also the types of data available. In some cases, there may be too much, to the point where some don't know where to begin, or they may go down the wrong roads. Also, some can be pretty effective at misinterpreting data for their own means. That's something to always keep in mind. Just spend a day talking to any educational vendor---they make ALL of their products look like something that your school needs in order to succeed...
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