Data-Driven Decision-Making:
The Science in the Art & Science of Teaching
Author: Rick Phelan
Published: 03.21.13
Data-driven decision-making can improve the efficacy of teaching. When teachers take student assessment data into account as they plan and deliver instruction, they are better able to respond to the needs of their students. They understand students’ past strengths and weaknesses and can provide instruction that results in higher achievement.
Most educators have heard about data-driven decision-making, but very little professional development has
been provided on this topic. Yet in this era of limited education resources,examining student data is more valuable than ever before. Here’s why:
- Our student population has changed.
Most Sonoma County classrooms no longer have a homogeneous population of learners. Students are jumbled together regardless of language proficiency or special needs. Some students are well prepared for grade-level learning, but others don’t have the academic skills needed for their grade placement. By examining student data, teachers can clarify individual skill levels and plan instruction to suit their heterogeneous classrooms.
- Our work in education has evolved.
The notion that students progress through school following standard curves of distribution for success and failure was widely accepted in the past. But in recent years, this idea has been challenged as we’ve learned to use curriculum measures that are standards-based and criterion-referenced. We’ve found that we can markedly increase student achievement by adjusting instructional variables—curriculum, instructional strategies, grouping, and/or time. Along the way, we’ve also discovered that daily/weekly progress checks can guide and inform our work, leading to more targeted instruction and greater
student success.
- Technology has made data analysis easy and accessible.
Today’s computer-based student information systems allow teachers to gather information, analyze it, and use it in new and powerful ways. Data can be sorted to show individual or group performance, then organized to show the information from different perspectives. Charts and graphs can illuminate trends. All of this information is useful to individual teachers—or it can be studied by groups of teachers working in professional learning networks or at staff meetings, where it becomes the basis for discussion, idea and resource sharing, and collaboration to improve teaching and learning.
Related Resources
Data Dashboard
On the SCOE website, public schools in Sonoma County can see five years of data specific to demographics, Adequate Yearly Progress (percent
proficient for English language arts and math), and API Similar School ranking.
Data First
This is an excellent resource from the Center for Public Education with videos and interactive resources promoting understanding of the role of data in learning.
Illuminate Education
Eight Sonoma County districts are using Illuminate Education technology resources to inform their work with students. Among other services, Illuminate offers customizable reports for State and local measures, a growing databank of questions teachers are using to create common core benchmark assessments, and reporting tools for parents.
Educational Results Partnership
This site provides information on school performance and best practices. One of the most useful features is the listing of comparable schools based on demographic and outcome data.
Blog: Technology for Learners
