Data Wise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Using Assessment Results to Improve Teaching And Learning (Paperback)

~ Kathryn Parker Boudett (Author), Kathryn Parker Boudett; Elizabeth A. City; Richard J. Murnane (Editor)

Editorial Reviews

Review

"A masterful example of what can happen when great scholars confront real-world problems. This book should be required reading for anyone interested in moving beyond the tiresome arguments over the pros and cons of testing." -- --Michael Feuer, Founding Director, Board of Testing and Assessment, National Research Council of the National Academies

"The step-by-step process described in this invaluable book has helped me engage my faculty in lively, frank, and productive discussions about our student assessment results. Now we are able to make the connections between data and instruction in ways that improve teaching and learning systematically throughout the school." -- --Janet Palmer Owens, Principal, Mason Pilot School, Boston, Massachusetts

"This book provides a great variety of useful ideas and tools for analyzing student achievement data. It serves as an important and significant resource for school leaders in utilizing data to improve instruction and student achievement." -- --Gerald N. Tirozzi, Executive Director, National Association of Secondary School Principals

Product Description

In the wake of the accountability movement, school administrators are inundated with data about their students. How can they use this information to support student achievement? This book presents a clear and carefully tested blueprint for school leaders. It shows how examining test scores and other classroom data can become a catalyst for important schoolwide conversations that will enhance schools' ability to capture teachers' knowledge, foster collaboration, identify obstacles to change, and enhance school culture and climate.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 212 pages
• Publisher: Harvard Educational Pub Group (November 30, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1891792679
• ISBN-13: 978-1891792670
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #70,446 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well Written But Not a "Cookbook", September 30, 2008

By	G. Schneider "Retired Secondary Administrator" (Southern California) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

The book appears to be a collection of chapters written by doctoral students of the editor. While the call to be "data driven" may be viewed as the latest educational fad, the central thesis (the making decisions in schools and classrooms based on student outcomes) makes sense. The question is whether this work serves as a standalone guide to an administrator moving in this direction. I would say yes to someone who has experience with instituting new programs and a rich understanding of the change process. My caveat is based on the fact that while the book generally outlines the steps involved in institutionalizing the use of data, implementation will require a practitioner who can anticipate problems and respond appropriately. Thus, the book should be viewed as a "primer" for planning purposes rather than a "cookbook." In fairness, I believe the author has tried to address this criticism in her companion volume "Data Wise in Action."

8 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Useful how-to book on data use in schools, June 13, 2007

By	anon (Massachusetts, USA) - See all my reviews

Data Wise is exactly as the title describes. It tells you exactly how to implement data use in your school with case studies/examples. Great for all levels of experience, especially those just starting out. Little to no background knowledge in the area is required to benefit from the book. Lingo and definitions are given in the beginning. Great for use by all educators.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Guide to Using Assessment Results to Improve Teaching And Learning, March 3, 2008

By	Rica Web "raspberry8" (Philippines) - See all my reviews

Very good reference. Recommended by ABCTE, an alternative route to teaching in USA. ABCTE is a very rigorous program.

Data Wise contains examples and graphs. The book explains how grades can be plotted on a graph, individual and group, to achieve the learning goal. With the use of the graph, teaching methods can be modified in order to meet the required learning goal. Achievement of students can be clearly seen on the graph whether they are doing well or not. Teachers are aided in planning lessons more effectively.