Supporting Data Collection
& Student Assessment
What does it mean to 'support Data Collection & Student Assessment'?
To maximize student success, teachers and paraeducators depend heavily on data to guide almost all decisions made in the classroom.
So first, what is "data"?
- Data are facts and statistics.
- Data are not personal opinions, feelings, or perspectives.
And what is "student assessment"?
How we determine a student's level of knowledge/ability
How we determine the effectiveness of instruction/strategy
Paraeducators assist in providing a well-rounded learning experience and work to engage all levels of learners and their needs. Effective data collection and student assessment methods enable teachers to measure students progress in a more accurate and timely manner and help to inform instruction or intervention. Efficient communication amongst classroom staff promotes consistency and clear expectations, resulting in more accurate data.
Academic Data
Academic data include a variety of information that will give insight to how well a student understands what is being taught or what their current level of performance is in different academic areas. Paraeducators should understand expectations of academic proficiency, actively monitor student performance, and adjust support as needed.
Behavioral data
Behavioral data can include a variety of information that will give insight to why a student may be struggling emotionally/behaviorally, antecedents (triggers), frequency/duration of behaviors, and possible factors that reinforce desired or undesired behavior (consequences). Paraeducators should understand individual behavior needs and how best to provide positive support each student.
What supporting Data Collection and student assessment might
Look like:
Understanding and utilizing data collection forms and methods as directed by the teacher
Organizing and maintaining data documents
Knowing daily learning objectives and behavior expectations
Communicating frequently with teacher(s) about student ability, needs, and progress
Allowing students opportunities to demonstrate knowledge/ability in a variety of ways
Facilitating distraction free assessments
Sound like:
“This assignment is kinda tricky, huh? Is there a different way you might like to try solving the problem?"
"Mr. Berry, when Teresa was completing today's ticket-out-the-door, I needed to give her 3 verbal prompts to finish the sentence so I put a '3V' in the top corner of her paper."
"I left this week's behavior tracker for Dominic in his file. I noticed he's not yelling out nearly as much as he was a few weeks ago. I think taking those brain breaks is really working for him."
“Tap your head if you got it, tug your ear if you're still thinking.”
Resources for supporting Data Collection:
“A well-organized, well-run classroom can make a significant difference for students, regardless of their ability and background.”
- H. Wong