what you should include in the data room

School administrators are excellent at capturing data, but too often they end up keeping it in storage — literally. Assessment and accountability movements are making schools have to get data out of the drawers and out into the open. Some schools are going one step beyond by creating schools with data rooms where teachers can look over student data in a more organized and accessible manner.

At Gilliard Elementary School in Mobile, Alabama, color-coded sticky notes are found on the walls of a space called “the data room.” These notes show teachers where their students stand on reading and math standards, as well as attendance and discipline records.

The aim is to help teachers in identifying and addressing the needs of students, before they become uncontrollable. For instance, if the student has not met his or her reading goal the teacher could provide additional instruction in class, or work with that student outside of school. If a child has a problem with their behavior, the teacher can refer them to counseling or even consider taking the child from class.

In addition, by putting information in the spotlight, teachers can also celebrate progress with their students–a key part of Baker’s approach. In the spring of 2013 one of the students who was homeless proudly stood up to explain that he had met his reading goal.

Before you decide to move into a school data room, be sure you can ensure privacy of your students and adhere to FERPA guidelines. This is especially important when it comes to displaying data in the classroom where sensitive information such as counseling sessions and disciplinary measures can be accidentally shared.