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How to Manage All That Student Data

beginning of the year data collection new teacher organization and planning

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Show Notes:

How do the words student data make you feel?

I don’t know about you, but when I first started teaching elementary school, student data was the one term that struck fear in my heart.

The phrase made me uncomfortable. I didn’t feel prepared to be able to collect and organize data on my students. I didn’t learn about it in University, and I’ve never been a math person, so it just felt like something that was going to be a real challenge for me. If you’re feeling this way as you begin a new school year, you definitely aren’t alone.

I now have some fantastic advice on how you can wrap your head around how to get started with organizing your student data. It's a topic I've been wanting to talk about for a very long time on the podcast, because I know a lot of us struggle with this, especially in the beginning of our careers as educators. Don’t worry, if you’re artsy and creative like me, I’ll show you how to think about data in a way that feels more manageable.

If you're starting from scratch, let's talk about how to set up your very own student data binder, whether that's going to be online or in a physical binder. The key here is to think about this as a customized experience for your specific school.

The way that you collect and organize student data, depending on where you teach and how your school reports data to parents, is going to look different than another teacher in a different school or a different state.

Having a student data binder, and actually utilizing it are two very different things. There is nothing worse than checking your data at the end of a semester and realizing that you don’t have enough data for particular students or in a particular subject! That’s why in this episode, I’ll share the key things to include in your student data binder so that you can get to work on setting yours up immediately.

I’ll also give you guidance on how often I recommend collecting data, and simple ways that you can give quick assessments, so that you can stay on track with your data collection all year long.

If you want to get your hands on my full student data binder, complete with all kinds of templates and fillable forms, check it out here.

Inside this week's show, you'll learn:

Why I recommend starting with getting a copy of your school’s report card at the beginning of the year to help you organize how you collect data.
How your grade level team can help you set up your unique system for student data collection.
The key cornerstone sections that I encourage you to create either as files on your computer, or in a physical binder.
How many pieces of data I aim to collect on each student per semester, per subject.
Why you should include sections in your student data binder that are not just about assessments.

Links & resources mentioned inside this episode:

I hope this information is helpful as you prepare for your first, second, or third year of teaching. Until next time, remember, just because you're a beginning elementary teacher, there's no need for you to struggle like one.

💛 Lori

Dr. Lori Friesen | Beginning Teacher Mentor

Creator of the R.E.A.D.Y. for School Academy, Dr. Lori Friesen has mentored thousands of beginning teachers across the country through her workshops and courses. Host of the popular podcast, Beginning Teacher Talk, and creator of the innovative literacy program for 1st and 2nd grade, Dogs Help Kids Read and Succeed, Dr. Lori is dedicated to serving educators and inspiring learners. Learn more at drlorifriesen.com and at howdogshelpkids.com.

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