“Don’t be buffaloed by experts and elites. Experts often possess more data than judgment.” – Colin PowellIn chapter nine, Lopez suggests that for data-driven decisions to be made, school leade

“Don’t be buffaloed by experts and elites. Experts often possess more data than judgment.” – Colin Powell

In chapter nine, Lopez suggests that for data-driven decisions to be made, school leaders must make data easily accessible as well as openly shared.  Consider this as you respond to the discussion. 

Initial Post: Address each of the discussion points beginning with a description of any classroom and/or assessment experience you may have. If you do not have direct classroom experience, you may respond to these questions based on your own understanding of what occurs in your own children’s school, or a professional or volunteer position you’ve held outside of a school setting.

• What are the common reasons why staff members keep their data private from each other?       In what ways might you break down these barriers?
• For those with classroom and assessment experience, describe how easily accessible, openly shared,      and deliberately arranged are your data today? 
• For those without such experience, discuss the importance of the 3 pillars of data management and      how you intend to apply this to your anticipated practice.
• What will you do to make your system for data management exceptional?

Required Resources

Text

Lopez, D. (2013). No excuses university: How six exceptional systems are revolutionizing our schools (2nd ed.). Turnaround Schools Publications.

• Chapter 8: Assessment      (p. 94) 
  • This chapter addresses       the “bureaucracy of assessment” and how to best use the leadership team       to create components of the assessment plan.
• Chapter 9: Data      management (p. 108) 
  • This chapter addresses       the importance of collecting data and utilizing it to make data-driven       academic decisions. .  It addresses sharing, accessibility and the       arrangement of data for academic success.  

Newman, R. (2013). Teaching and learning in the 21st century: Connecting the dots (2nd ed.). Retrieved from https://content.ashford.edu/

• Chapter 11: Assessment for      Learning 
  • This chapter introduces       the role of assessment in the classroom and explores the difference       between assessment of learning and assessment for learning.
• Chapter 12: Using Data      to Drive Instruction 
  • This chapter discusses       data-driven decision making, the components that make the process       successful and analyzes a variety of the data-driven models, including       how technology tools can assist in predicting student performance and       making the work of the teacher easier.

Multimedia

Stenhousepublishers. (2010, November 30). Rick Wormeli: Formative and summative assessment (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rJxFXjfB_B4

• In this video, Rick      Wormeli explains the purposes of formative and summative assessment in the      instructional process.

TED Talks. (2012, August). Daphne Koller: What we’re learning from online education (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.ted.com/talks/daphne_koller_what_we_re_learning_from_online_education.html

• In this video, Daphne      Koller discusses the power of providing free, open access to learning      opportunities through MOOCs.

TEDxTalks. (2011, August 14). TEDxSoCal – Dr. Brian Stecher – Cultivating thriving schools (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. [Video file]. Retrieved from http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HmYdW871pL4

Websites

Common Core State Standards Initiative (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site. (http://www.corestandards.org/)

• Official Common Core      State Standards website.

Recommended Resources

Article

Marzano, R. J. & Pickering, D. J. (2007). The case for and against homework (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Educational Leadership, 64(6), 74-79.  Retrieved from http://www.ascd.org/publications/educational-leadership/mar07/vol64/num06/The-Case-For-and-Against-Homework.aspx

• This article discusses      the issue around homework and how it needs to be improved and add value to      instruction. 

Stiggins, R., & Chappuis, J. (2006). What a difference a word makes a word makes: Assessment for learning rather than assessment of learning helps students succeed (Links to an external site.)Links to an external site.. Journal of Staff Development, 27(1), 10-14.  Retrieved from http://ati.pearson.com/downloads/What-a-difference-a-word-makes.pdf