You don’t need test scores to evaluate the effectiveness of your k-12 literacy programs. Simply look at your middle schools. Do they need to double block...
Continue reading...Data
Look Past the Data
Sometimes looking at data is the wrong path to finding a solution. Sometimes you must look past the data to envision a new reality. Case in...
Continue reading...Results and Decisions
School A: We bought xyz math program, and our scores went up 18% compared to last year! School B: We also bought xyz math program, but...
Continue reading...Example of a Data Dashboard
I speak often of smart data, AB testing, and data dashboards. Here’s one example from a school I work with. You’ll notice the data is neither...
Continue reading...Trusting Guts and Instincts
I was climbing yesterday on a small mountain at about 9000 ft elevation. We made it to a peaceful lake and reflected on climbers who are...
Continue reading...Improve, Not Prove
There’s a secret to continuous innovation cycles. Instead of seeking to prove, seek to improve. It’s a tempting trap to seek data that proves what you’re...
Continue reading...When You Know The Impact…
You might just try a little harder. In 2007, researchers published a study of the work patterns of hotel maids. They were interested in seeing the...
Continue reading...When Others Count You Out
In my current research of over 40 school districts in Texas, an amazing outlier has surfaced. Here are the stats for this outlier district: 98.1% Attendance...
Continue reading...Spreadsheet for AB Testing
It’s really about one thing: using assessment as a tool for learning…but not merely a tool for student learning. It’s about using an assessment as a...
Continue reading...If Data Were the Solution…
The use of data as a tool and approach to solving educational problems has taken center stage over the past 15 years. Rightfully so. Technology has...
Continue reading...Misleading Data
Using student assessment data to determine instructional impact is one of the most common leadership practices of this decade. So let’s start the week off with a...
Continue reading...Unidimensional & Sensitive
Apparently, this is the week of big words (see this week’s posts Multifinality and Equifinality) and of big stars featuring Tom Cruise and Brad Pitt in this week’s podcast....
Continue reading...Multigate Screeners
In yesterday’s episode (Season 2, Episode 3) of the Mafost Mashup, two reading systems were offered to ensure your school’s reading instruction is ready for the...
Continue reading...What is Lead Data?
Lead data are the front-end metrics that cue you about the long-term learning trends in your school. Ideally, lead data is sensitive, meaning it moves quickly...
Continue reading...Start Split Testing Now!
Your data will never be the same. No more guessing. No more misjudgments. No more competitive culture that undermines the collaborative culture you’re trying to build....
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