Making Data Meaningful

Abstract: With the idea of data-driven instruction—using data to shape curriculum—becoming increasingly expected of schools today, the ability to collect and interpret data is becoming more important than ever for primary and secondary education teachers. And from standardized test scores to student assessments and assignments, there is no shortage of data available. The problem is that with increasingly less time and fewer resources, teachers are facing difficulty in interpreting data in a way that is meaningful in making instructional decisions. In this month’s Primary and Secondary Education Brief, we focus on the topic “Moving Beyond Data Analysis to Data Interpretation and Use in Daily Instruction.” We take a look at how teachers can collect the right data that will be useful to them, and then interpret it in way that will be meaningful for guiding instruction.

Keywords: Continuous Improvement - Primary and Secondary Education Brief