The Influence of Data

In an effort to ensure that I can facilitate data driven dialog and decision making I had to dig into the research about decisions making thorough data this summer.  What I learned is that data is about the DISCUSSION first and the PLAN of action that comes from that collaboration.

   

We implemented Instructional Rounds last school year. Rounds is a data driven, evidence-based process.  The process is about classroom visits that focus on our problem in practice, which in our case is the level of questioning, teacher versus student talk, student discourse and classroom tasks. In our visits we collect EVIDENCE in six classrooms as it applies to the areas we are looking at. The power in this process is the DIALOGUE that occurs within the Rounds Team as we seek to create instructional solutions for each campus to implement.  Again, the power is in the DIALOGUE.

In education we have long been masters at identifying our areas of need, our FOCUS needs be in creating action based on the data story.  What is the story your data is telling?  Who are the main characters (demographics)?  What is the main idea?   As leaders of teachers we must help teachers put in to perspective that data is not about do-or-die moments; the data story is about setting a different course - adjusting and continuously monitoring progress towards our goals.  I had a coach once tell me that if you have nothing to shoot for you will most certainly hit nothing.  This has been the power of Instructional Rounds-we set goals, create a momentum plan and work to change our practice.

I am excited to walk with our teachers and administration as we begin to create those meaningful connections between data and tomorrow’s lesson plan. 

Here are some great resources about Instructional Rounds: http://www.instructionalrounds.com/Blog.html