Students & Parents taking the data lead

​Data is not only important for principals and teachers, it is also important for students and parents. Sharing individual data with students and parents helps them see how the student is progressing academically.  This week’s blog will examine how best to use data with students and parents.
 
This past year, I implemented student goal sheets on my campus… for every grade level (K-5th).  The goal was for students to see where they are and then make goals to improve.  I trained teachers on how to use data with students and then charged each grade level with creating a data sheet appropriate for their specific grade level.  Each grade level implemented the use of data sheets for the year.  I saw first-hand how the data sheets helped focus not only students, but it also helped the teacher focus more on the needs of each individual student.  During ARDS and RTI meetings, teachers brought their data binders to use during the discussion about the student’s progress.  This helped the committees make decisions that were best for that student.  I think it also helped our parents to see how much the teacher knew about their child’s academic progress.  It was a win-win for all stakeholders.
 
How to use student data sheets:
 

• Create a one-page data sheet for use during the whole year
• Create a graph on the sheet that includes all major assessments for the year
• There should be two bars for each assessment
  • One for the student’s goal
  • One for the actual grade the student makes on the assessment
• After each assessment, the teacher should conference with the student to:
  • Discuss the student’s progress
  • Ask the student to color in the bar graph reflecting their grade
  • Make a realistic goal for the next assessment

 
We also implemented parent letters for each major benchmark.  As all educators do, I stole this idea from a colleague.  It worked wonderfully because it made parents aware of how their child was doing throughout the school year.  The parent data letter brought the parent in as an active stakeholder in their child’s education.
 
How to use parent data letters:
 

• Send the first letter at the beginning of the school year with the end of year data from the previous year… of data you use to determine student learning.  Because I’m in Texas, for 4th and 5th graders, I enter their STAAR state assessment data to begin the year.
• Send the letter again after each major benchmark

 
How do you use data to include students and parents in the educational process?