Evaluation & Assessment Tools
Online Tools for Using Data to Inform InstructionThe use of assessment and evaluation to improve student achievement has become a battle cry for educators. In this "Thing", the school improvement process will get an infusion of technology to improve data inquiry and access. Student information systems, data warehousing, course management/learning management systems, rubric creators and survey makers all will be spotlighted.
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Pre-Assess your skills for this "Thing"
Before beginning this "Thing", complete the Pre-Assessment of your technology proficiency.
Aligned to NETS-T: 2.a, 2.d, 3.a, 3.d, 5.c
Connections to Marzano Strategies: Reinforce Effort and Provide Recognition; Objectives and Feedback
Connections to Marzano Strategies: Reinforce Effort and Provide Recognition; Objectives and Feedback
Assessment
Taking a look at students data
The use of assessment data to inform instruction has become increasingly important. What used to be a very tedious process of paper gathering and sharing at an annual staff meeting has now become a quick retrieval of online information gathering that teachers have any-time access to. Schools are now using technology to assist in data inquiry and access, leading to better goals and strategies for improving student achievement. The use of data warehousing and student information systems are becoming increasingly popular ways for schools to gather data and information and put data at the fingertips of teachers. These FEE based programs involve site licensing and per student fees that can amount to thousands of dollars. However, programs such as Data for Student Success (D4SS) are FREE.
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Student Information Systems
A paper grade book or an SIS?
Student Information Systems (SIS) include demographic and performance data on students. Demographic data includes ethnicity, gender, and AYP subgroups such as economically disadvantaged, special needs, and more. Performance data found in a SIS includes: transcripts, grades, discipline, attendance, or detailed student records and information. One of the most common features of a SIS is the ability to create course schedules, teacher grading, and attendance data. Data within an up-to-date technological SIS is based on student UIC number, a unique identifier also used to track state testing. One of the most important features of an SIS is the confidentiality and security features, requiring logins, permissions, and other options to protect confidentiality.
Popular vendors of SIS include Skyward, SchoolWorld/Zangle, and PowerSchool. These products often interface with a data warehouse; information can be set up to be exported from an SIS into a data warehouse on a regular basis.
Popular vendors of SIS include Skyward, SchoolWorld/Zangle, and PowerSchool. These products often interface with a data warehouse; information can be set up to be exported from an SIS into a data warehouse on a regular basis.
Data Warehousing Systems
Why use a data warehouse?
Data Warehousing (DW) A data warehouse (DW) provides educational data on student performance and demographics within a secure environment. One of the most helpful aspects of a data warehouse is the ability to analyze student performance based on curriculum expectations to make changes in instruction. Popular DW include Data Director, Pearson Inform, ClassA/Datawise, etc.
Most schools have embraced this increasingly popular online tool because of state and federal reporting requirements of )No Child Left Behind (2001). In the past, educators waited patiently for annual test scores from a school administrator and hoped that someone on staff had a background in statistical analysis and Microsoft Office-Excel spreadsheets and graphs. Reviewing classroom performance data was often a challenge for educators, and common assessments weren't often a reality. Through the 2009-2010 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's "Enhancing Education Through Technology" program, this federal grant prompts states to bring student information systems and data warehousing to their schools.
The use of data to inform instruction has become an integral part of school improvement. Review the Introduction to Data Gathering & School Improvement Tools PowerPoint by Dr. Jennifer Parker-Moore and Lisa Guzzardo Asaro.
Most schools have embraced this increasingly popular online tool because of state and federal reporting requirements of )No Child Left Behind (2001). In the past, educators waited patiently for annual test scores from a school administrator and hoped that someone on staff had a background in statistical analysis and Microsoft Office-Excel spreadsheets and graphs. Reviewing classroom performance data was often a challenge for educators, and common assessments weren't often a reality. Through the 2009-2010 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act's "Enhancing Education Through Technology" program, this federal grant prompts states to bring student information systems and data warehousing to their schools.
The use of data to inform instruction has become an integral part of school improvement. Review the Introduction to Data Gathering & School Improvement Tools PowerPoint by Dr. Jennifer Parker-Moore and Lisa Guzzardo Asaro.
| Introduction to Data Gathering & School Improvement Tools |
FREE Data Warehousing Tools and Resources
Data For Student Success, or D4SS, is a Dynamic Inquiry Tool available to all Michigan educators. It contains state achievement and historical data and assists in school improvement reporting. For those outside Michigan, there are also a wealth of professional development resources freely available to assist in school improvement planning. Check out the resources and consider what data tools you have at your fingertips! There are a variety of Professional Development resources, videos, articles, and links on the Data For Student Success (D4SS) resources page.
For a lesson in the art of data conferencing, click here.
Data Tools require the use of confidentiality and a working knowledge of FERPA/HIPAA guidelines.
1. Take the Pre- test; 2. Review the Help guide; 3. Take the Post-test. |
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Addtional resources for data and information can be found at the recently unveiled Michigan School Data Portal. D4SS is featured on the site. Check out the Michigan School Data Portal at mischooldata.org. Locate school performance, career and college readiness, early childhood, assessment, achievement, special education data and much, much more!
Evaluation
Using Rubrics and Surveys
There are many types of educational evaluation, including a careful review of the effectiveness of performance, programs, or people. Evaluation tools can include gathering perceptions through surveys, creating rubrics for evaluation, or using peer collaboration to identify best practices.
Rubistar Rubrics
Rubrics are scoring guidelines. They provide a way to make judgments fair and sound when assessing performance. A uniform set of precisely defined criteria or guidelines are set forth to judge student work. Generally rubrics specify the level of performance expected for several levels of quality. Rubistar is a free online tool for creating quality rubrics. Rubrics are created based on a topic. Sample topics include; oral projects, multimedia, math, writing, products, reading, art, work skills, science and music. Registered users can save and edit rubrics anywhere there is online access.
According to the Rubistar site, rubrics can help students and teachers define "quality" work. Rubrics can also help students judge and revise their own work before handing in their assignments.
Click here to access the tutorial on using Rubistar.
According to the Rubistar site, rubrics can help students and teachers define "quality" work. Rubrics can also help students judge and revise their own work before handing in their assignments.
Click here to access the tutorial on using Rubistar.
Aligned to NETS-T: 2.a, 2.d, 3.a, 3.d
Connections to Marzano Strategies: Reinforce Effort and Provide Recognition; Objectives and Feedback
Connections to Marzano Strategies: Reinforce Effort and Provide Recognition; Objectives and Feedback
Surveys
Surveys and evaluation tools are a great way to collect data from students to determine the direction the teacher should take in the classroom. They can also be used for formative assessment or determining professional development needs of staff.The use of Google Forms allows teachers to get feedback and analyze data.
Google Forms Surveys
Creating online quizzes or surveys can be done simply within Google Forms, found within the Google Docs. These have many educational uses, including surveying staff for school improvement data, online quizzes for students, or gathering feedback for professional development.
For a quick demo on how to create a Google Form click here.
21things Hands-On Activity and Assignment
1. Before beginning this "Thing", complete the Pre-Assessment of your technology proficiency.
2. Create an online educational survey/quiz with Google Forms that includes at least 5 questions. Survey at least 5 teachers/students and view the results on screen. Capture a screen shot of the Google Form results and record your reflections on this tool's educational uses in your portfolio.
3. Create a rubric using Rubistar for use in a classroom activity/lesson. Use the rubric, describe the lesson you are using it with, and how it will help you assess student work. Capture a screen shot of your rubric for your portfolio and record your reflections on how you will use in your classroom.
4. After taking the FERPA/HIPAA quiz in the lesson, reflect on the importance of FERPA/HIPAA in education.
5. Describe the data warehousing or student information system within your teaching assignment (Be conscious of FERPA and student confidentiality!). Insert a screen shot and record your reflections in your portfolio.
6. After reviewing the "Introduction to Data Gathering and School Improvement Tools" PowerPoint, and viewing the Data Conferencing video (D4SS) explain/demonstrate how teachers can use data to inform instruction.
7. After completing all of the activities for this "Thing", take the Post-Assessment of your technology proficiency for this "Thing".
2. Create an online educational survey/quiz with Google Forms that includes at least 5 questions. Survey at least 5 teachers/students and view the results on screen. Capture a screen shot of the Google Form results and record your reflections on this tool's educational uses in your portfolio.
3. Create a rubric using Rubistar for use in a classroom activity/lesson. Use the rubric, describe the lesson you are using it with, and how it will help you assess student work. Capture a screen shot of your rubric for your portfolio and record your reflections on how you will use in your classroom.
4. After taking the FERPA/HIPAA quiz in the lesson, reflect on the importance of FERPA/HIPAA in education.
5. Describe the data warehousing or student information system within your teaching assignment (Be conscious of FERPA and student confidentiality!). Insert a screen shot and record your reflections in your portfolio.
6. After reviewing the "Introduction to Data Gathering and School Improvement Tools" PowerPoint, and viewing the Data Conferencing video (D4SS) explain/demonstrate how teachers can use data to inform instruction.
7. After completing all of the activities for this "Thing", take the Post-Assessment of your technology proficiency for this "Thing".
Post-Assess your skills for this "Thing"
After completing all of the activities for this "Thing", take the Post-Self Assessment of your technology proficiency for this "Thing". (This is part of your hands-on activity/assignment).
Additional Resources
1. Assessment of students can be summative (of learning) or formative (for learning). There are many online assessment and evaluation tools that can assist educators in data inquiry and access. The key is to understand what effective assessment is, know the tools available, and create balance in the classroom for instructional decision making. For a brief introduction to Effective Assessment: What Works in Schools, click on the Assessment PowerPoint presentation by Dr. Dale Moore.
| Effective Assessment PowerPoint |
2. Kathy Schrock's Rubrics collection
3. Rubrics for Teachers
4. Tech4learning Rubric Maker
5. Response Systems (Clickers)
*Clicker friendly clasroom activities
6. Assessment Apps by Vicky Windman
3. Rubrics for Teachers
4. Tech4learning Rubric Maker
5. Response Systems (Clickers)
*Clicker friendly clasroom activities
6. Assessment Apps by Vicky Windman
6. PollEverywhere is a free online voting application that uses cell phones to collect responses. People vote anonymously via text with some phones bypassing the text messaging fees. Results come in within 2-5 seconds and can be presented in a graphical format or downloaded into a spreadsheet/chart or presentation format. FREE plan allows 30 participants per question/poll. Check out the quickstart video of PollEverywhere.
7. Not only does Zoomerang allow you to create surveys with a variety of questions, but it also allows you if you have the Pro version to import the information directly into PowerPoint, create custom branding, use skip logic, and create charts and graphs from the data. This site offers educational pricing and a limited FREE version. For a quick demo click here.
8. Survey Monkey has over a dozen types of questions to choose from when creating a survey. There are ready made templates, results can be downloaded quickly into a spreadsheet, all langauges are supported, and the questions can be randomized when purchasing the Pro version. This site does offer educational pricing and a limited FREE version. For video tutorials click here.
9. Michigan Education Data Portal launched in the 2011-2012 school year. This site is a public site that provides access to the Annual Education Report, showing assessment and school improvement information for comparison.
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Page updated August 30, 2011
