2.8 Data Analysis
Candidates model and facilitate the effective use of digital tools and resources to systematically collect and analyze student achievement data, interpret results, communicate findings, and implement appropriate interventions to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
Artifact:
Reflection:
The Data Overview was an activity in which we had to analyze our school’s data and present the current reality of our school, our academic strengths and weaknesses as evidenced by the data we share, and what our plans are for the future, based on the information we can collect from the data to which we have ready access through a variety of sources. We were asked to collect the data, create a presentation of the data, and share our presentation with our cohort.
This artifact represents mastery of Standard 2.8 well, because it illustrates the ability to systematically collect and analyze achievement data, interpret the results, communicate the findings, and implement a plan to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
Technology used to mine for, and interpret data empowers me to be a stronger leader because I know where to go to get information I need to ensure the school runs as well as can be expected. I also felt this experience was important because it helped me to see, empirically, where our strengths and weaknesses are as a school. Once I know how to determine that information, I can begin to take steps to improve our circumstances. I appreciated the longitudinal data the most, as I could see interesting trends with the school and could explain what circumstances led to those trends. Understanding the role of data analysis helps to build strong research-based, learner-centered strategies that work for students from all societal echelons. Data analysis also helps teachers to create individualized, authentic learning experiences that students will remember. Higher order thinking skills are used by teachers to sort through data and make sense of it so that they can, in turn, create the same kind of critical thinking and problem solving in their own classrooms. I would improve the quality of the artifact by getting the data I used from the same location. While it was an excellent use of my time to learn about the various sources for data mining, I also learned that different sources manipulate data differently such that switching sources in a presentation like the one I created can be confusing from slide to slide.
Data analysis, collecting and analyzing student achievement data, interpreting results, communicating findings, and implementing appropriate interventions, cannot help but impact school improvement. Giving teachers this tool to guide instruction is vital as it builds an awareness that may not have been there in the past. Data analysis makes an excellent teacher stellar, in that it provides critical information which that teacher can use to impact student achievement directly. Everyone benefits from taking the time to look at data and see how the data about students impacts what goes on in the classroom. It is a MUST for school reform measures.
This artifact represents mastery of Standard 2.8 well, because it illustrates the ability to systematically collect and analyze achievement data, interpret the results, communicate the findings, and implement a plan to improve instructional practice and maximize student learning.
Technology used to mine for, and interpret data empowers me to be a stronger leader because I know where to go to get information I need to ensure the school runs as well as can be expected. I also felt this experience was important because it helped me to see, empirically, where our strengths and weaknesses are as a school. Once I know how to determine that information, I can begin to take steps to improve our circumstances. I appreciated the longitudinal data the most, as I could see interesting trends with the school and could explain what circumstances led to those trends. Understanding the role of data analysis helps to build strong research-based, learner-centered strategies that work for students from all societal echelons. Data analysis also helps teachers to create individualized, authentic learning experiences that students will remember. Higher order thinking skills are used by teachers to sort through data and make sense of it so that they can, in turn, create the same kind of critical thinking and problem solving in their own classrooms. I would improve the quality of the artifact by getting the data I used from the same location. While it was an excellent use of my time to learn about the various sources for data mining, I also learned that different sources manipulate data differently such that switching sources in a presentation like the one I created can be confusing from slide to slide.
Data analysis, collecting and analyzing student achievement data, interpreting results, communicating findings, and implementing appropriate interventions, cannot help but impact school improvement. Giving teachers this tool to guide instruction is vital as it builds an awareness that may not have been there in the past. Data analysis makes an excellent teacher stellar, in that it provides critical information which that teacher can use to impact student achievement directly. Everyone benefits from taking the time to look at data and see how the data about students impacts what goes on in the classroom. It is a MUST for school reform measures.