When Data Use Works: How a Teacher Team Effectively Uses Data to Support the Education of All Students

• In Event: 41.055 - Data-Driven Decision Making and the Classroom Context

Abstract

Schools and districts promoting data-driven decision making often rely heavily on teacher teams to collectively share, analyze, and use data to inform instruction. Research has documented the challenges teams face in realizing these goals, yet we have less knowledge about teams that use data effectively. Drawing on an in-depth, two-year case study of a teacher team at one school, this paper examines how a well-functioning teacher team used data and the conditions that supported their work. A structured process of data analysis, a culture of shared responsibility, vertical and horizontal collaboration structures, leadership, and policy alignment contributed to the effective use of data by this team. Implications for research and policy are discussed.

Authors

• Amanda L. Datnow, University of California - San Diego

• Vicki Park, San José State University