Thursday, October 8, 2009

An Easy Method for Analyzing Your Data

1. Use New Jersey Core Curriculum Content Standard 3.1 (Reading)

2. Find your Grade level(s)

3. Find the Activities/Core Proficiency Indicators/Scope & Sequence, etc.

4. Find your Grade level(s)

5. Find the Activities/Core Proficiency Indicators/Scope & Sequence, etc.

6. Cross reference your data to all Activities/Core Proficiency Indicators/Scope & Sequence, etc., for standard 3.1.

7. Identify the area most in need of improvement

8. Repeat the first 7 steps for the next 4 standards

10 Samples of Important Data for Analyzing Student Achievement

1. ASK & HSPA Tests

2. Tests

3. Quizzes

4. Norm Referenced, Standardized Tests (CATs. IOWAs, Terra Novas, etc.)

5. Homework

6. Teacher’s Anecdotal Information

7. Rubrics

8. Portfolios

9. Running Records (lower grade levels)

10. Observational Surveys (lower grade levels)

6 Sample Language Arts Assessments


1. Tests/quizzes


2. Portfolios

3. Audio/visual recordings

4. Rubrics

5. Running Records

6. Observational Surveys

Effort and Recognition

A must read:

“A belief in effort ultimately pays off in terms of student achievement.” (p. 41)

Research results for reinforcing effort: 20 – 48 percentile gains (p. 42)

7 Ways to Create Learner-centered (v. teacher-centered) lessons:

1. Problem-based learning

2. Hands-on activities

3. Role playing

4. Socratic Questioning

5. Cooperative learning groups

6. Use of Multiple-intelligences

7. Use of technology

Five Secrets for Increasing Student Achievement BEFORE Creating Lessons

Secret # 1:

Teaching how to test is a waste of valuable learning time (though often necessary)
……but teaching to the test is a good thing.

Secret # 2:

Student achievement will increase when you think like the test-makers.

ETS & Riverside create the tests by using the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards to guide them.

Therefore, if you teach to the test, you are teaching to the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards…at least for now…National Standards are coming!

Secret # 3:

The textbook is a tool, not a curriculum.
Texas and California buy the most books.
The number one priority for textbook sales is textbook sales, not state standards.

Secret #4:
Teach to the NJ Core Curriculum Content Standards and the test will take care of itself.

http://www.nj.gov/education/cccs/

Secret # 5:

A good teaching plan (curriculum map) will improve test scores.