Thing 12.3 - Data Warehousing Reflection

In my district, we have two main systems of data warehousing that are tied. Our onsite SIS, created specifically by / for our district links to the KISD warehousing systems IGOR and INGA. We also use TieNet to support tracking / maintaining IEP and other special ed data.

With a greater push for data-driven instruction, school improvement data and expectations for transparency in general, data-warehousing has become an invaluable tool for staff and administration in targeting instruction, filtering results, and sharing useful information with others. 

These and other tools make it much easier for teachers, counselors and parents to get feedback that goes beyond grades. Everyone involved in the education of a student can look at various factors that inform the process. Item analysis, demographic data and demonstrated trends in between classrooms and buildings assist everyone in identifying best practices and areas for improvement. 

We also use a few CMS tools, such as edmodo, Moodle and E2020. In each of those, teachers and students can easily monitor usage, course completion, and success rates etc. Parents and students see the same data allowing them to participate more actively in the educational process. 

With all the online options, and the growing availability of student data in more public spaces, teachers and staff need to have a more active awareness of FERPA / HIPAA guidelines. Gone are the days of paper files that got photocopied and mailed. Now, anyone with the right username / password can access student records. As teachers take a more active role in setting up online course resources, they need to be keenly aware of who has access to something as simple as a student last name.

Thing 12.2 -- Rubistar

link to complete rubric

I created this rubric using Rubistar.  Unfortunately, I haven't had the chance to test it out on a live audience. I intend to share it with colleagues district wide, as well as post on my Website which has been somewhat neglected as of late! 

At any rate, as with all the tools I've been learning and practicing via 21 Things, going through this process has helped me create a permanent resource for my students. 

 It's good to be 'forced' into the opportunity to create and share in this way. While this use of a rubric won't really give me any direct feedback, it will help me share valuable insight and process with them.

Thing 12.1 -- Google Forms for Assessment

Google forms makes it easy to collect, store & analyze data. I use it primarily for formative assessment and reflection. I get valuable feedback from my students that directs my instructional practice. I tweak my presentations, follow up with individuals and choose what future PD to create all based on information gathered in Google forms.

I especially like the live form updating. Projecting the live results as users take the poll really helps my students become comfortable. Tech PD intimidates a lot of people. As they complete the Google form opening survey, they see they really aren't the only ones who aren't 'tech gurus'. Smiles, shared chuckles and self-acceptance instantly create a much more relaxed atmosphere.

Google forms also gives me an easy way to create district-wide polling tools on topics such as Internet safety, student access to technology etc. I create one form, share it with staff who can then customize it for themselves. By requiring students to include their name & class information on the form as one of the 'questions' it allows teachers to easily filter results as needed. 

Here's an example of a Google form I created on Internet safety.