In the data rooms that are only for staff of schools, it is customary to display the results of student assessments in charts. They show the proficiency levels (below basic or advanced, proficient or basic) for a specific area, such as reading or math. The goal is to focus the attention of teachers on students who are the most behind level and require more intensive intervention.
But in the midst of all the discussions about privacy for students these days, having an open display of student data could do more harm than good. Especially when the display includes the names of students, it could create feelings of shame or embarrassment for struggling students. It is important to think about the ways your school utilizes these displays, and consider safer alternatives.
Online platforms that store your learning data in a safe and secure way are an excellent alternative to the traditional school wall of data. These platforms can take data from LMS assignments and formative as well as summary assessments, demographic information, and even integrate your SIS for reports. Teachers can then access these data sets at any point in a safe and secure dashboard. Teachers can target specific student cohorts or groups by using a variety filter. They can also see the progress of their goals in real time, and drill down into assignments, individual students, and individual learning trends.
To make a school’s data room meaningful it’s crucial to hold regular meetings to discuss the data. This helps teachers pay focus and come up with concrete steps that will help students advance. If a team notices that a lot of students are struggling with math, say, they might decide to develop an intervention for that specific area and monitor progress until the students are at proficiency.
