Claire Self

Standard 2.8 Candidates model and facilitate the effective use of digital tools and
resources to systematically collect and analyze student achievement data, interpret
results, communicate findings, and implement appropriate interventions to improve
instructional practice and maximize student learning. (ISTE 2h)

As part of the Data Analysis and School Improvement course, I completed a Data
Overview presentation on ninth grade math scores at my school. I researched the
demographics of the school, and found the data for the last three years of ninth grade
math test scores. I found the schools strengths and also found some areas of
improvement. It was difficult comparing the data from all three years because the same
test was not given all three times.
As part of this assignment, I had to collect the data from the last three years as well as
find the demographic information on the school. It was far more difficult than I
expected. Using the online platform that we have (SLDS Student Longitudinal Data
System) was extremely difficult and did not have the latest test scores uploaded. I
ended up going to the state website to find the latest test scores but even then
collecting the information was very difficult. I can only imagine how other teachers feel
trying to find data to help inform their instructional decisions. Once I found the data it
was fairly easy using technology to analyze and interpret the data. Using Excel, I was
able to input the data and create appropriate charts and graphs to represent the data.
Presenting the data to my collaborative group was eye-opening as well.
Communicating our test results to a whole new set of teachers to our school and
showing them our socioeconomic breakdown helped give them a good idea of what they
were coming into this year. It was very fortunate that I had completed this Data
Overview because it helped us determine which strategies we would use in the
classroom. It also helped us determine appropriate interventions to implement
based on the previous years test scores and this years demographic breakdown.
If I could do the Data Overview again, I would look at how our students improved over
the years. It would be interesting to see how the students did on the tests throughout
their high school career, not just their freshmen year. Looking at what each group did
throughout their four years would give us a better idea of whether or not we are
improving and showing growth every year or if we are stagnant.
Completing the Data Overview impacted student learning. It was nice having the data
overview to look at with new teachers because it gave them something to look at as we
planned for the upcoming school year. It also helped them get acclimated to the new
environment. It also helped me identify areas that we can still improve on and certain
subgroups that may need different interventions than we are currently using.