™
Using data and statistical information in the
classroom. ™
Using data and statistical information in the
classroom.
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Web Help by Standard:
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Using Data |
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data from test scores to drive instruction.
Take a look at statistics and data resources provided by the DOE Use this site to stimulate discussion about using data to facilitate test preparation courses in your school: Do you need more language support services? How does your school or district compare to others in the state. |
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As we prepare our students to
take MCAS
Tests, teachers all over the state are looking for
effective ways to teach to curriculum standards without
just teaching material that "might" be on the test.
MCAS
Mentor has researched some of the
data produced by the State Department of
Education and other organizations. Our intent has been to learn if there are
common factors that may have led to poor showings in some school
districts. We didn't think that instincts about demographic makeup, poverty, class size, and all the other "obvious" contributing factors was empirical research. We really wanted to learn if there were factors "underachieving" districts have in common. We want to help teachers address these problems directly in the classroom by designing classroom materials that can provide positive support for them and their students. What we found reinforced some instincts but opened other areas of inquiry. For instance, we were surprised to find that district success does not necessarily correlate with median income. Some poorer districts have done fairly well, and there are affluent communities that have scaled scores that need improvement. On this page we will link you to statistical data that may help you plan for test success. One of our correct instincts was that districts with high levels of Hispanic and ESL students were less likely to do well because of the enormous tasks involved in not just teaching the new students to speak English, but also bring Math and English Language arts abilities up to speed. Many Hispanic (and Asian, etc.) Also, we urge teachers to learn to use database software to analyze classroom data. Close inspection of individual student responses to answers on tests (or item analysis), reveals much about areas where a teacher can boost skills. These kinds of statistics are kept in files at the Department of Education and are distributed to school district leaders and Principals after the tests have been given. It might be useful to look at the last two years of MCAS test results for your classroom to see what information you can use to help refine classroom goals. Ask your Principal for access to the state data from the security portal. If you learn to use database programs like Testwiz, FileMaker Pro or Microsoft Access and Microsoft Excel, you can read and create your own databases and spreadsheets. Some of the links below will directly download articles in Adobe Acrobat format that are of interest. Others take you to websites. Bookmark this page so you can return if you should be taken to another site, or use your browser's back button. |
We will update links often to provide information on the use of statistical data to help you refine your classroom strategies.
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Phone: 1-781-780-2175
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