Friday, December 4, 2015

Trends in Data Driven Instruction

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.