Data Data Data
Blossom Dearie – Figure Eight
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Our district is infatuated with the idea of “data”, specifically what, in education circles is becoming an emphasis on “data-driven instruction”. For the past year or so, our district higher ups have been pushing down this notion of using “data” to inform instruction in every single way, as well as our school administrators being under a similar pressure.
The problem is, nobody quite knows exactly how to use data to drive instruction in a meaningful way. This year, a co-conspirator colleague and I have been implementing an intervention program, and have literally spent the last month trying to figure out (a) what data is actually useful, (b) how to actually find the data (which was ridiculously difficult and time consuming), and (c) what it actually says about the effectiveness of the intervention.
The mid-year result? A sharp-looking Mid Year Report (feel free to view here and peruse in all your spare time)!
So far, we can definitively say that Kids Mastering Math is a qualified success. While the numbers are certainly not astounding, they are significant, particularly in the advances the lowest performing kids are making.
The purpose of sharing this is not to “toot our own horns” but rather, (a) to show that what we’ve done has helped many of our kids, (b) to gain momentum to help improve the curriculum and support for next year, and (c) to hopefully show how to actually use data in a meaningful way educationally.
Themocracy
Congrats on the current success of your hypothesis and program ! Your hard work is coming to fruition!
Hope the district, in these challenging financial times, will find the resources to continue to support your work/effort!
What you WON’T be able to measure is how well your efforts will have helped your students as they finish high school and plan their futures! Only time will tell.
lets not forget that Data Data Data takes months of preplanning to prepare to collect, to collect and then to analyze. Its like a baby, 40 weeks to mature.
Hi Kyle, it’s your cousin Stephen. This is a cool blog to read. Very funny! Data-driven instruction sounds like my profession, evidence-based practice. By the way, I love that figure eight song. Elliott Smith named his album after that song, and then decided not to include his cover of it on the album. Hope you’re doing well in LA. Congratulations on your new nephew!
Elliot Smith is absolutely amazing. LA is great. Be sure to let me know whenever you decide to embark upon a west coast tour. :)