Data Based Decision Making
Personal Philosophy Statement
Data based decision making refers to an ongoing process of analyzing and evaluating information to inform important educational decisions and actions. It is the responsibility of an administrator to gather all of the relevant information from all the sources needed to make these informed decisions. Uninformed decisions are not beneficial for the administrator or those they work with. Processes are needed to identify a problem, analyze information available, seek additional information and resources as needed, and develop a plan to deal with said situations. Flexibility is needed in order to make adjustments as need be.
"The significant problems we face cannot be solved at the same level of thinking we were at when we created them."-Albert Einstein
Information Collection
- gather data and facts from a variety of sources about families, students, parents, staff members, administrators and community members;
- seek knowledge about policies, rules, laws, precedents or practices;
- manage data flow;
- classify and organize information for use in decision making and monitoring information.
Activity #1: ViewPoint Website
Through the use of ViewPoint, staff is able to access student records, test scores, assessment levels, etc. It's a remarkable software that allows you the ability to look at individual students, classes, or comparison/contrast data. Reading, Science, Math, MCA Scores, NWEA Scores, Grade Level/Subject Grades, IEP Information... The ability to "triangulate data" gives educators a solid reference tool.
Artifact: ViewPoint Report Information
https://washington.brainerd.k12.mn.us/docs/viewptguide.pdf
Activity #2: Skyward
Skyward is our District-Wide "Educator Access" Program used for attendance, grading, discipline and student information. The program follows the student throughout their tenure in our district. Skyward offers the solution necessary to help ensure students succeed by providing you real-time accurate and reliable information through a web portal for easy access. When your questions are answered faster, with more information, your decisions that affect student learning are better served with positive long-term results.
In addition, it's utilized for personnel/employee services, online payments and Community Education. Skyward’s School Business Suite offers a comprehensive, integrated finance and human resources solution that provides administrators, educators and staff with invaluable information at their fingertips
Artifact: Skyward Program Information
https://www.skyward.com/DeptDocs/Marketing/Public%20Website/Product_Briefs/Student_Management_Suite.pdf
Problem Analysis
- identify the elements of a problem situation by analyzing relevant information, frame issues, and identify possible causes;
- seek additional needed information and frame and reframe possible solutions;
- demonstrate conceptual flexibility;
- assist others in forming opinions about problems and issues.
Activity #1: Student Evaluation/IEP's/Individual Needs
In education, we're constantly asked to accomodate students needs, regardless of ability. Monitoring and adjusting to our students is a key part in their continued growth and success. Collaboration amongst parents, colleagues and other entities all play a role in these situations. The ability to work with and understand these entities is critical for an Administrator.
Artifact: Contacts/Memos from Collaborative Agencies
Problem Analysis Artifact.doc (28 kB)
Activity #2: Fully Funding Education
Throughout my teaching career, I've been pro-active on improving how we fund education in our state. From the moment I was hired, I've been subject to cuts, reductions, school closings, loss of programing...the list goes on. I've been outspoken as an educator, parent and community member that we've got to find a long-term solution.
Artifact: MN Miracle Presentation to School Board