The data school administrators collect is great but they tend to end up storing them – literally. Assessment and accountability movements are forcing schools to take data out of drawers and into the open. Some are taking this a step further by establishing school data rooms, where teachers are able to see student information in a logical and accessible way.
At Gilliard Elementary School in Mobile, Alabama, color-coded sticky notes line the walls of a space called “the data room.” The notes show teachers where their students are on reading and math standards along with discipline and attendance records.
The goal is to aid teachers in identifying and responding to students’ needs, before they become uncontrollable. If a child is not attaining his or her reading http://www.dataroomdata.com/the-process-of-document-management-in-education/ goals The teacher may suggest extra practice or work with students outside of school. If a student has a problem with their behavior, the teacher could refer them to counseling, or even consider removing that child from class.
In addition, by putting data at the forefront teachers can also share their achievements with their students – a crucial aspect of Baker’s plan. In the spring of 2013, a homeless student proudly announced that he had achieved his reading goal.
Before you commit into a school data room make sure you ensure privacy of your students and adhere to FERPA guidelines. This is particularly important when it comes to classroom data displays where sensitive information such as counseling sessions and disciplinary actions could be accidentally revealed.