Dancing with Data to Improve Learning

Misinterpretation and misuse of data often devastates teachers and places undue pressure on their students. Constantly changing goals and expectations can cause stress, uncertainty, and consternation for teachers and administrators who strive to follow the rules. Here is a book to help those who work with data share it and use it more effectively and more intelligently. It provides a no-nonsense approach to looking at, learning about, and using achievement test data. Features: A glossary of terms, An overview of the basics of data, A brief history of standardized tests, Tips and guidelines for presenting information, Explanations for providing consistent, meaningful follow-up, A list of resources. Many have boarded the school improvement bandwagon without knowing specifically what it looks like. As honorable as it sounds, 'leaving no child behind' is still an ambiguous proclamation. Education is about helping every child learn. Understanding and appropriately using data can help in accomplishing this goal. Will be useful to school administrators in helping teachers, school board members, and the media understand data.