Using data to assess student learning, identify learning difficulties, and develop effective instructional strategies is a proven way of increasing student achievement. Working collaboratively in data teams enables teachers to make the most of student data and unleashes their creativity and resourcefulness.
The laminated guide The Skillful Inquiry / Data Team by Nancy Love is a concise yet comprehensive tool for teachers and other educators working in data teams (alternatively referred to as inquiry teams and/or professional learning communities, or PLCs). It presents a simple framework for building and launching data teams, including setting goals, establishing processes/procedures, deciding how to monitor and assess team performance, and answering the four essential
1. What do we expect students to know and be able to do (drawing on common core standards, curriculum documents, etc.)?
2. How will we know if students have learned (decide on common benchmark assessments)?
3. What interventions will we use if students do not learn (e.g., flexible groupings, tutoring, re-teaching)?
4. What do we do if students already know (e.g., design challenging extensions of lessons)?
The guide illustrates the process for engaging in short cycles of improvement, which includes the following
- Establishing an interim goal;
- Analyzing data from pre-assessments before instruction;
- Analyzing data from formative assessments during instruction;
- Analyzing data from benchmark assessments at the end of a unit;
-Taking action in response to each data source (e.g., modifying instructional strategies, re-teaching, and/or regrouping students).
The four phases of data-driven dialogue for analyzing data are outlined, as is the process of data-driven decision-making. A "What, When, Why, How, and What Next" chart breaks the entire process down into straightforward steps.
The Skillful Inquiry / Data Team guide is also a useful resource for RTI (Response To Intervention) teams, which can follow the process in order to identify students in need of Tier 2 (targeted) or Tier 3 (intensive) interventions, decide upon interventions, and monitor student progress.
The Skillful Inquiry / Data Team
