This class has taught me a lot about the value of data in making decisions. Before this class I often waived off data as irrelevant to what I was trying to accomplish in the classroom. After completing this class I have learned a lot about the value of the Understanding by Design Process (UDP) and Data Teams. These processes teach many important lessons about the value of timely and relevant data analysis. The first lesson that I learned is the power the Data Team has to play in making real and positive changes. The Data Team has the responsibility to lead the school in collecting, reviewing and utilizing data to make serious decisions in the school. It is important as a Data Team member to follow the data and have real discussions that ask serious questions. I learned that it is also, important to have a serious discussions about cultural proficiency as we look at issues such as race/ethnicity, class culture and gender. Once the data is collected and reviewed it is important to display it in a way that visually appealing.
The most valuable field experience during this semester was creating the Data Overview. The Data Overview was valuable because it gave me the opportunity to pull together data from multiple sources and display in a visually appealing way. Along with presenting the information, I also created a video that included a concise and insightful review of the data.
After completing this class I plan to work closely with my school's Professional Learning Committee (PLC) to create real and positive change using data. As I work with PLCs to review school wide data, I do anticipate some teachers may be uncomfortable with the review of data and change. It is important to maintain a positive atmosphere and norms throughout the process. Teachers must see the Data Team process as a way to make real change and not a way to identify and threaten teachers. Data has the ability to make change as long as everyone is onboard and follows the Understanding by Design Process from beginning to end.
The most valuable field experience during this semester was creating the Data Overview. The Data Overview was valuable because it gave me the opportunity to pull together data from multiple sources and display in a visually appealing way. Along with presenting the information, I also created a video that included a concise and insightful review of the data.
After completing this class I plan to work closely with my school's Professional Learning Committee (PLC) to create real and positive change using data. As I work with PLCs to review school wide data, I do anticipate some teachers may be uncomfortable with the review of data and change. It is important to maintain a positive atmosphere and norms throughout the process. Teachers must see the Data Team process as a way to make real change and not a way to identify and threaten teachers. Data has the ability to make change as long as everyone is onboard and follows the Understanding by Design Process from beginning to end.