It is important for teachers to be able to analyze student data. Analyzing data can be beneficial to understand students and help produce a more positive educational journey for them. It is key to understand that data-literate educators can improve outcomes for students. Being a data-literate educator can create a better experience for students, parents, and guardians. 

When becoming a teacher, it is imperative to integrate data literacy into teacher preparation. By preparing to use data literacy, teachers will be able to set up their classroom management styles when it comes to class climate, assessments, and behavioral standards. “Data literacy is defined as ‘one’s level of understanding of how to find, evaluate, and use data to inform instruction’” (Mandinach & Gummer 2016). 

         I think it is important to understand how to identify the problems in your classroom. You will not be able to fix any issue in your classroom until you have been able to identify the problem of practice. According to Mandinach & Gummer it is important to not only be able to identify a problem but to be able to explain it as well.  Next, understanding context at not only the student level but also the school level. There are important steps to take to be able to safely provide solutions to any problems or questions a teacher may run into in the classroom. When consulting with other teachers or administrators it is important to respect students privacy. 

         When collecting data to assess your classroom climate you want to be able to have the most data as possible. There are different ways to go about collecting that data. I think it is important to understand your students and what makes them feel most comfortable in expressing their feelings in the classroom. How to measure success is a really hard thing to tackle. I think a great way to assess how your students are feeling is in their exit tickets. Now all exit tickets need to be for curriculum purposes. Let your students tell you one positive thing about the classroom and one improvement for your classroom. I also think it is a good idea to measure your engagement in your classroom. Keep a tally on who participates in class. Measure if your class is active or passive. You can then measure against your other classrooms or with other educators. 

         As educators we must decide that classroom management is important. To have a positive classroom climate and culture we must use data literacy to create a standard to uphold. 

Citations

          Mandinach, E., & Gummer, E. (2016). What does it mean for teachers to be data literate: Laying out the skills, knowledge, and dispositions. Teaching and Teacher Education.  (366-374).