Data Analysis Tools and Supports

Assessment Types:

Formative Assessment - takes place during instruction in order to provide direction for helping students improve while they are still gaining knowledge and practicing skills.

Interim Assessment - refers to the formal assessment of students at several points during the year to check progress of taught concepts and standards.  The focus of this assessment is supporting the formative assessment process.  

Summative Assessment - refers to an evaluation that occurs at the end of important segments of student learning. It uses summarization and communication what students know and can do in respect to curriculum expectations. 

Data Examination Fundamentals:

Step 1:  Observation -  Make impartial observations of the all appropriate data sources.  What  trends or patterns in growth and achievement data do you observe?  Are there other data sources that should be considered?  During this initial stage it is critical to withhold making inferences  about the reasons for the performance at this stage to allow for all observations to be made and considered.  

Step 2:  Cause Analysis - For each observation of the data what are the possible causes for this particular student outcome?  How might data observations intersect with each other?  It is critical to ensure that causes being considered are within the control of the school, grade level team, or teacher.  Focusing on what can be controlled at these levels will allow for a solutions oriented outcome.  

Step 3:  Problem Statement -  Develop a problem statement that clearly defines the concern that needs to be addressed and can be understood by all stakeholders including students.

Step 4:  Solution Development - Determine the most effective strategies to address the problem statement.  As solutions are considered remember to outline duration, resources, and skills that might need to be present to implement the solution strategies.