Curriculum & Technology Services


Data Tools & Resources

Reviewing assessment data results, analyzing the meaning of the data, and developing actions to address identified needs of a school’s instructional program are a critical part of school improvement efforts. These online resources support this effort.

Background Ideas

Evidence: Making the Case for Data-Driven Decision-Making (pdf)
Making instructional decisions based on evidence of student learning can improve the efficacy of teaching. We make a case for data-driven decision-making in this SCOE Bulletin, published in September 2009. Four related videos show how assessment data can be used and interpreted.

Using Classroom Data to Improve Student Achievement
This website is based upon the Dennis Fox video series Using Classroom Data to Improve Student Achievement. The series builds the capacity of principals and teacher-leaders to use student achievement data to improve instructional practice, focusing on standards, assessment, and data analysis, and how they can improve instructional decision-making in the classroom, school, and district.

Seasons of School Data
This page on the Sonoma County Office of Education website provides a summary, based on the school-year calendar and when various types of school data are released, of ways that educators can prepare for the release of data, then use that information to improve instruction and achievement. For each calendar season, resources are provided to assist schools in understanding and making use of assessment and achievement data.

Data Sites

DataQuest
DataQuest is a web resource maintained by the California Department of Education. Educators, parents, and community members have access to the following data, summarized at the school, district, county, and state levels:

  • API – Academic Performance Index
  • AYP – Adequate Yearly Progress
  • CAHSEE – California High School Exit Exam
  • CELDT – California English Language Development Test
  • STAR – Standardized Testing And Reporting
  • School Demographic Information
  • School Staffing Information

Ed-Data
Through the Ed-Data website, you can look up a variety of statistics about schools. Reports are available at the state, county, district, and school level. The site also hosts a school look-up system and provides comparative data.

Educational Results Partnership (EdResults.org)
This site provides information on school performance. One of the most useful features is the listing of comparable schools based on demographic and outcome data. The site was previously known as Just for the Kids–CA.

Data Tools

DataDirector
DataDirector is an online data management solution that provides longitudinal tracking and reporting of student assessment data, student demographic data, and program/event attendance.

Edusoft
A group of Sonoma County districts, with assistance from SCOE, are using Edusoft’s assessment and data-driven instruction tool. At this website, you can see a demonstration of the Edusoft system.

School Charts
School Charts is a data management system offered through the Santa Clara County Office of Education.

School Profiler
This site provides free access to statewide data reported on your school. It’s very useful when working on the Single Plan for Student Achievement.

Data Samples & Guides

CST Sample File (xls)
This is a California Standards Test (CST) sample file with imaginary school data that can be sorted and analyzed using Microsoft Excel's auto filter feature.

CELDT Sample File (xls)
This is a California English Language Development Test (CELDT) sample file with imaginary school data that can be sorted and analyzed using Microsoft Excel's auto filter feature.

Contact

  • Rick Phelan, Coordinator, Professional Development
    (707) 524-2847,