Standards+Question+7


 * Read the Case Study regarding Data-Driven on page 17 of the NSDC Standards text handed out in class. In your PLC discuss Discussion Questions 1-3. Have a record keeper in your group synthesize your group's responses to these questions. If your group needed more information, describe what you need to know and how you would go about discovering this information.**

1. What are the various forms of data that are available in your school or district to assist with professional development and instructional decision making? Are some forms more useful than others? We use data from benchmarks, CRCT, and writing assessments. Our administrators sit down and decide what areas are in need of improvement to meet our SSP. For some, benchmarks are given every nine weeks and the data is given back quicker. With CRCT, by the time scores come back, it is the end of the year and there is nothing that can be done.

2. What are benefits and potential costs of disaggregating data in the way suggested by the standard? The benefits are that disaggregating data helps identify a clearer picture of the needs of specific students. This helps develop direction for topics discussed within a professional learning community and/or professional development to address the needs of diverse learners. The potential costs are that stereotypes can be formed with this data. It will also lead to additional time being spent in professional development classes. There is a lot of time that will be spent analyzing the data and grouping the data into the categories.

3. What strengths and weaknesses do educators in your school or district have with regard to using data in the way recommended by the standard? A strength is that the information helps you know how to best provide to your students. Teachers can effectively group and offer strategies specific to the learner. It offers an opportunity to reteach and challenge. This also helps teachers self-monitor if they are meeting their professional development goals. A weakness is that some schools are more diverse than others. Therefore, not all educators are equipped with the knowledge and skills to properly evaluate data results.