iReady and Raz Kids Data Report

What I Did ✅:

High quality and high impact teaching and learning starts with data. As a kindergarten teacher I utilize my classroom data from iReady, which is our math curriculum, and Raz Kids which is an independent student reading app that we purchase each year. It allows me to regularly view individual student progress, time on task, areas of struggle while allowing students to grow and "level-up". When students feel recognized for their growth and progress they become intrinsically motivated and they can visualize their progress. Another way that our district uses iReady data is during parent teacher conferences as well as a team approach to individual child studies. We are able to compare students on a grade level and even a national level for a larger perspective. I also utilize these two data sources as a way to ensure lessons, assessments and goals are aligned which maximizes individual growth. I use this data to recognized student growth in a multitude of areas and reward them accordingly.

What I Learned 🧠:

I have learned that by collecting, analyzing and sharing data with both students and families the power of growth and goals can be unleashed. It has also helped drive my instruction by not wasting time on topics that are already learned and to revisit and spend more time on areas that are a struggle for students. I have learned to be transparent with this data and to take the extra time with families to help them understand where their child is at and where they will be next. Sometimes it is humbling to realize that data may be low due to my instruction and that I need to be more diligent in my teaching of certain topics. I am able to adjust my teaching to best meet the needs of students when I am driven by data.

How I Will Grow 🌱:

Both of the platforms above offer ways to export and store data into spreadsheets for further analysis. I would like to explore more ways to track my growth as a professional from year to year and offer some suggestions to the kindergarten grade level leader in areas where there may be deficits. With data comes the responsibility for growth and change and it can be useful in swaying future curriculum decisions. I would also like to utilize class growth and data as a way to recognize and reward teachers in their efforts to utilize these two platforms to drive effective instruction. For example, offer a reward to each grade level with the highest growth each month in the district.