Focus on Instruction
January 2020
Focus on: Data
As we get going in this second semester and into the notorious testing season, there is one work you're all going to hear a lot. A LOT.
Data.
Some teachers love it. Others hate it. All viewpoints are are valid, I totally get it. Personally, I like data and the non-biased view of reality it can provide. But I recognize that it can seem impersonal to many, and others struggle with either accessing those numbers, or translating them into real-world actions. Whatever your viewpoint on data, it is an inevitable and important player in the modern education system. Used properly, data can help us focus our energies to be more effective instructors so fewer students fall through the cracks in the system. And the best part is that we have so many tools at our disposal that does pretty much all of the number crunching for us, so teachers can focus more on improving their knowledge of students and instructional techniques to transform those numbers from impersonal numbers to a personalized improvement tool.
Here at Westwood we use a few different data analysis options. I've linked a couple tutorials below in case you are not familiar with these or how to use them. And as always, I would be very happy to help anyone who would like to dive a bit deeper into any of these programs. I'm a huge data nerd, and would also love to share my spreadsheet knowledge with any interested party!
Please make sure you are doing everything within your power to understand exactly where your students are, and where they need to be. If you have time, check out these articles on the use and importance of data in the classroom:
How Teachers Use Student Data to Improve Instruction
Why Teachers Must Be Data Experts
Using Student Achievement Data to Support Instructional Decision Making
Eduphoria Aware
Our main district data system.
This is where most of our test creation and data analysis happens. They also happen to have one of the most in-depth user guides out there, and their help desk (972-348-1774) is hands-down the most useful I've ever called. You get a real person every time!
Renaissance Star
However, that's not to say it is only for math and reading. For example, it might help inform social studies teachers as to why their students are not comprehending what they're reading.
This is also the program used by the fewest teachers, although it has some of the best information on student skills. This program links into the ExactPath program that targets students where they are on each skill.
Here is the staff login portal.
Here are the guides to how to access and use reports through Renaissance for Star Math and Star Reading, and this is the booklet that contains most information on how to use the program.
Here are some videos on how to use the data once you've got it.
And, as always, if you want some hands-on help on using this program, please don't hesitate to ask. I am not an expert, but I'm not afraid to click buttons and I've learned a lot just playing around with the program on both the teacher and administrator sides.
DDI
Some departments and campuses have already started this process, and if you don't know what it is, you will soon. This is going to be a district-wide initiative to get instructional staff to be more deliberate with their data analysis and reteaching strategies. Keep an ear out, or feel free to ask about it!
Focus on Vertical Alignment
District-wide vertical alignment will happen at the beginning of the second six weeks, February 24. Those of you who were here last year, start thinking about those tightly held and loosely held beliefs we discussed last year and if there is anything you might change about those now. Those of you new to the district, start thinking about what resources and strategies are important or helpful in your classroom. We will come together to review all these on February 24 at the High School, more information and specific agendas will come within the next few weeks.
Focus on Technology
However, before you get too far off the deep end, please take time to create and proctor an online test before you try to play around with accommodations. Many of you have already done this, if you haven't, please please please give it a try. At least once. This document has links to eGuides that can walk you through that process. We're going to be using this. You might as well learn it on your own instead of being frustrated in the middle of a major benchmark.
After you are comfortable with the Eduphoria online testing process, then I would say you are ready to start playing with and utilizing the new accommodations and options. Here is the eGuide for those new student supports!
And, as always, I am happy to help. Hit me up and I'll come to your room to help you create and/or administer a test online to try to make the process go as smoothly as possible.
Haley Avery
Email: hbavery@westwoodisd.net
Website: www.westwoodisd.net
Location: HS Rm 151, JH Rm 209
Phone: (903) 480-0336
Twitter: @haleybavery