Data-Driven Decision Making
Understanding and Action
What is Data-Driven Decision Making?
- compiling, reviewing , sharing, and using data to improve schools, particularly student achievement
- considering what you want to know and why
- collecting, connecting, creating, and confirming
Why do we fear data?
Data has the capacity to uncover weaknesses and failures, but it may also reveal strengths and successes.
Why data-based decision making?
- what gets measured and monitored gets improved
- without data, decisions are based on opinions and hunches
Multiple Measures of Data
- discover patterns, practices, and relationships that can be maintained and improved
- focus on the right thing(s)
- see strengths and challenges
Asking the right questions
- What do you want to know?
- What data do you need to answer the question?
- What will you do once you know the answer?
- Be aware that different types of data may be needed.
Collect
- standardized test data
- formative performance data
- demographic data
- attendance data
- student & teacher observation data
- perception survey data
Connect
- consider data from various perspectives
- combine data from various sources (2 and 3 way analyses)
- state level versus local level use of data
- guide question development
Confirm
- evaluate and reflect on efforts
- continuous monitoring of progress
- potential regrouping or starting over
- ask questions: Did students learn? How do you know?
everyone plays a role
Leaders
- foster a positive climate for teaching and learning
- model data use
- be data savvy
- acknowledge successes and provide support
Teachers
- align classroom goals with district goals
- analyze individual student data
- collaborate
- share data with students
Students
- create personal goals
- monitor progress with help of teachers
PLC Materials on DDDM
San Diego County Office of Education
Rita Ayers
Chalkable Professional Learning Specialist
Email: rayers@chalkable.com
Location: Fairhope, AL