Advantages of Transformational Data for Schools

When teachers know how to analyze the data, they start taking ownership of their decisions to bring about the change required in their instruction. Teachers will know right away if a new implementation is working or not or if it needs any alteration.

FREMONT, CA: Concrete data is needed to make an educational change and for decision-making. Data decisions are also essential when it comes to impacting any component of education; be it curriculum development or program evaluation.

Schools today collect more than academic data on students, which includes other personal information like contact information and address. Databases and Learning Management Systems (LMSs) help schools collect data related to student’s health, community involvement, and family culture. While federal agencies and state require much of the reported data but the real power of data lies in its aptitude to transform schools.

Best Practice for Analysis and Data Collection

Many teachers identify the worth of measuring student growth and achievement. But even with the right intentions to utilize the data for decision-making, educators can sometimes become overwhelmed unless the organization develops practices around the use of information.

Strategies for Analysis and Collection of Data

Below are some strategies recommended by the American Association of School Administrative for the analysis and collection of data.

Train the Faculty: Many teachers undergo training in data analysis, but they appreciate and understand the opportunity to study the data they are asked to analyze and collect. Teachers should be given the time to learn about how programs assess academic growth and the paramount practices in analyzing the generated information.

Start Small: Evaluating what data should be collected, how often and for who is essential. The learning and data collection should be chunked in small batches so that teachers can have the time to study, practice, and internalize the data. Even if there is a plethora of data collected, the organizations should avoid reviewing all the information at once.

Teach Data Interpretation: Teachers must not be the only once to know how to interpret results of the data, but parents, media, and the community should also be able to understand what the statistics mean. Everyone will be interested in knowing the big picture of the data, which indicates the overall school performance. With the help of educating what the data means and letting people know how the information is being used for transformative change, there are fewer chances of misinterpretation.