I have this MCAS data...now what do I do?

MCAS and other standardized testing data can seem like a lot to take in, but when broken down it can be helpful and revealing. Try using the example data analysis protocol to break down MCAS data from any subject.

Sample MCAS data protocol:

(Click here if you'd like to have this in a Google doc)

1. If looking at data in a group, choose a facilitator to help ask questions and keep the group on track.
2. Analyzing data: Once faced with the data, go through the following guiding questions:

a. What areas of students’ performance are at or above expectations?

b. What areas of student performance are below expectations?

c. How did various groups (e.g. gender, race, socioeconomic, disability, English proficiency) of students perform? (Note: To break down the data more effectively, do a general overview, but then look at one specific group at a time).

d. What is other data telling us about student performance in this area? (Other data may include major/minor behavioral data, standardized tests, summative tests, student growth percentages, etc.)

e. What confirms what we already know? What challenges our previous thinking?

f. What important observations seem to “pop out” from the data? Surprising observations? Unexpected observations?

g. What patterns or trends appear?

h. What similarities and differences exist across various data sources?

i. What do we observe at the school level? The grade level? The class level?

j. What are some things we have not yet explored? What other data do we want to examine in coordination with this?

3. Identifying Next Steps: After looking objectively at the data, decide as a group what the next steps should be. Answer the following guiding questions:

a. What are the desired learning outcomes for the selected group(s) of students?

b. What type of interventions or strategies will the group(s) need to be successful? (ex. Tier 1, 2, 3, or extension)

c. How will the group(s) get to the intended learning outcome? (outline of lesson plan)

d. How will student learning and success be measured? How will students show or demonstrate mastery?

4. Reflection: (To be completed after the lesson has been implemented)

a. Was the lesson successful? Why or why not?

b. What was the success of the lesson or activity, according to the outcomes you measured?

c. What are the next steps? (Go back to step 2 if necessary)

(partially adapted from Joellen Killion, deputy executive director of National Staff Development Council)