Session 8

Data Driven Decision Making is a huge part of how my school functions. The only thing we seem to be able to factor into our classroom now is data. Data from accelerated math, accelerated reading, STAR math, STAR reading, ALS Benchmarks and of course our lovely CST's. We have so much DATA to go over its a wonder we every get anything else done after school. I know that reviewing data and highlighting the areas that need to be stressed in the classroom is a great thing. But there is such a thing as DATA overkill, at least at my school. I like knowing where my students are academically and how they perform on test, but not all test give an accurate account of your students. I am often tired of looking at data and deciding how to use it. In my classroom I know my students, I know their strengths and weaknesses, and sometimes these test we are required to give are not accurate.I am not saying that Data Driven Decision Making is a bad idea. Just the opposite, Data is good to have, its a good map to follow, but I do not believe that is should be the sole component in designing a successful plan in the classroom.