Taylor Blair Data Driven Instruction Dr.

Rogers 1 November 2013 Staff development that improves the learning of all students uses disaggregated student data to determine adult learning priorities, monitor progress, and help sustain continuous improvement. In order to receive accurate results of standardized tests, all the students in the school must participate. Once the results have been calculated, the scores can be categorized by the students characteristics (white, black, special education, free and reduced lunch etc). Data driven instruction is important because it drives instruction, which provides curriculum continuity, it allows for differentiation for all students, involves selfmonitoring for students and teachers, and allows teachers to become diagnostician. When collecting data is the focus of instruction, teachers have a concrete goal to reach. This will guide to teachers to prioritize their time and find what works best in order to reach that goal. When data has been collected teachers have a clear understanding of what is working and what is not, and are able to make adjustments more easily. When collecting data some schools may use the district initiative or have their own data collection procedures. When participating in a data meeting with colleagues and grade team members you will discuss the data that has been currently reported for the students. Once the current data has been addressed, instructional strategies will be discussed. Depending on the data and the students improvement the teachers must brainstorm ideas on what

would be the best way to implement the most effective instructional strategy. After discussing the team will decide on a final action plan. This plan will be concrete, and will allow the teachers to start planning how to move forward in the classroom to further instruct the students and help them to make even more improvement. Throughout the meeting there are observers who take note of what has been said, and will voice their comments and concerns about the action that is going to be implemented. Teaching using data driven instruction is an extremely effective way of teaching. Monitoring students progress, seeing where they have been and making goals for where they can be ensures the greatest process for improvement. When teachers attend team data meetings they learn and discus the best ways of instruction. Communicating with other teachers to learn what works and what doesnt, and to learn from past experiences will improve teaching instruction.