Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Blanca Duarte Martini on October 20, 2008 at 10:20pm

Dear Ken,

Thank you for all this rich information, especially the part about open NYSED webcasts. I will try to keep up to date with the information as I find it very interesting, especially in how it will impact instruction. You mentioned schools of education in an earlier post; maybe this change will create movement (and upgrades) to curriculum in that area as well.

A good database is necessary for keeping track of the different types of teacher certifications and requirements for the state, as well as for districts. I wonder if the changes in regulations have created the need for more elaborate HR systems and how districts are faring with their current systems...

Thanks again for keeping us informed.

Blanca

Permalink Reply by Catherine T. Juliano on August 10, 2009 at 9:26am

I think many new teachers are not aware of the requirement, as well as some building administrators. To start, this shouldn't just be a requirement for new teachers, all should follow the rule. When I brought this up for discussion in my building, it was discussed that we could show data that was used for RTI, CSE, report cards, benchmarking, etc. All teachers would be obligated to demonstrate that they are using data to improve instruction.

Permalink Reply by Brian Preston on December 15, 2011 at 2:44pm

Ken and colleagues,

I think the comment that student assessment data can't be used to determine tenure is a bit simplified: It can't be the only criterion on which tenure is based--it is to be use for 40% of the point in the new teacher evaluation system.  This is an important clarification that will continue to evolve as the APPR evaluation system ratchets up over the coming years.

Since we are tasked with doing teacher evaluation based on NYS Teaching Standards, it will be useful to review Standard V (see http://www.highered.nysed.gov/tcert/pdf/teachingstandards9122011.pdf) which deals with using assessments for student learning.  If actually implemented as written, then the basic outline of what might meet minimum levels of compliance referenced early in the thread won't be enough.  The Teaching Standards outline a more responsible use of performance data that becomes a real basis for instructional decision making in schools and classrooms.  It's the kind of work many of us have been attempting to do in Regional Information Centers around the state, and which is slowly finding it's way to forward-looking districts all around NY.  We have a long way to go to help all teachers and administrators use data effectively.  

In my region, PACE University in White Plains is using a dummy database developed by LHRIC that replicates most of the data analysis capability of our Data Warehouse in their teacher prep courses.  Making appropriate use of data for instruction a preservice training requirement for teacher certification makes a lot of sense to me as well.  We've training faculty at PACE on the use of the database for teacher prep.  It's a decent start on upgrading higher ed teacher prep and the PACE education faculty are asking for more.

Brian

Permalink Reply by Dr. Michael L. Cubbin on July 28, 2013 at 6:30pm

I am so frequently at a loss at to why we - teachers - are resistant to using data to a higher level than we are now. Every other profession is able to define, collect, analyze and manage data to improve both productivity and achievement. From the used car dealer to the girl working the counter at a hamburger joint, everyone uses data to drive performance, make decisions and increase productivity. We have not yet pulled the curtain completely to reveal the wizard hiding in the dark. Practice Management Consultants deal with this every day by separating "practice" from "business." Until we permit the use of the word business when referring to schools, we will stay a day late and a dollar short on moving ahead. Data works to the benefit of every other profession. The first step is humbling and humanizing, but until we take that step, we will stay right where we are.

Dr. Michael Cubbin

http://thebusinessofschool.org/

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