Data-Informed, People-Driven Chapter 3

Identifying Key Data Sources

Alright, so now we are prepared to face the truth—we're living in the era of data. And as I’ve mentioned before, it's everywhere. Schools are no exception. But amidst the overwhelming sea of information, how do we identify the key data sources that will actually make a difference in our search for better student outcomes? Let’s dive into the sea and see what we find. Sea what I did there? Okay, I’ll stop…

STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM

Imagine a mythical vault where all student information is stored—grades, attendance, disciplinary records—you name it. You don’t have to imagine it. We know that's the Student Information System (SIS). A good chunk of valuable data can be found in your SIS. Analyzing SIS data helps us uncover patterns and trends (umm… hello! demographics!), enabling us to tailor our instructional strategies to each student's unique needs.

ASSESSMENT DATA

Ah, assessments—the good (aka formative), the bad, and the ugly. Whether it's standardized tests, diagnostics, or just your daily formative assessments, this data has the potential to reveal the strengths of our students. By analyzing this data, we can also identify knowledge gaps, fine-tune our instruction, and witness the growth of our little humans.

ATTENDANCE & BEHAVIOR DATA

Most of us are aware of the literal battlefield of absenteeism and behavioral challenges that we have to face in order to create an environment conducive to learning. But if we take the time to look at the data, it can help us identify trends and patterns that hinder student engagement (and thus, student achievement). By analyzing this data, we can prevent dropouts and cultivate a more positive school climate.

CLASSROOM OBSERVATIONS

Classroom observations allow us to witness the art of instruction firsthand. By evaluating our peers’ teaching practices, we can learn from one another, identify areas for improvement, and provide targeted professional development. Can we please be careful when we do this, though? You have to have the right kind of culture in your building in order for this to work.

SURVEYS & FEEDBACK

Surveys provide a direct line to the thoughts and experiences of those we serve. This is what Safir & Dugan refer to as "Street Data." They unveil our strengths, highlight areas for improvement, and ensure that we build a culture of collaboration, equity, and inclusion.

EXTERNAL DATA SOURCES

Sometimes, our quest for knowledge extends beyond the walls of our school. External data sources—demographics, community data, and socioeconomic indicators—shed light on the context in which our students live and learn. By integrating this external data with our internal data, we gain a panoramic view of our students' worlds, enabling us to tailor interventions accordingly.