Data driven instruction, the ability to analyze
student’s knowledge and respond accordingly, has been popularized since 2002
with the passage of the No Child Left Behind Act. Recent studies have shown
that this instructional model helps assess student learning needs and improve
instruction which helps drive school accountability.
Let us look more closely
at some of the trends in data driven instruction.
Increases
learning gains.
Educators trained in a data-driven instructional model
are now leading some of the highest-improved/achieving
schools in cities across the country. More and more, school districts,
administrators, and teachers recognize the integral role of data collection and
analysis in improving education.
Fosters
school-wide improvement.
School leaders map out yearly data
calendars to inform the school community when the steps in the data cycle
occur. The plans organize assessment, analysis, and action so teachers can
maximize instruction.
Focuses
on quality assessments.
Assessments are purchased and
created to reflect the rigor and format of the state tests to help guide
instruction and push beyond basic standards for mastery.
Shifts
role of teachers and principals.
Teachers identify
specific challenges of individual students/groups of students and design
instruction accordingly. Principals monitor and support staff through tools,
resources, time, and training.
Activates
student learning.
Students see their accomplishments and
better understand the role of assessments, standards, re-teaching, etc. for
academic success as progress is tracked using graphs/charts.
Data driven instruction is more than a new trend as
it helps prioritize information and create worthwhile curriculum changes. It
brings educators together while making the experience engaging and beneficial
to all stakeholders.