Importance of End of Year Data Assessment

Over the past year, I have been sharing the 4 steps for using data. Every step will help you build a firm foundation for continued results. Once you have reached Step 4, if you are doing the required maintenance and service (4/29 Blog Article: Providing Solutions for Long-term Results (debradurma.com)) you are well on your way to long-term success. 

First and foremost, I would highly suggest blocking out a week or two for your vacation! I didn’t say go right away, you can start by having a schedule in your calendar. You need time to go off the grid and refresh. There is always plenty to do and it never ends. Your staff and students will thank you for taking the time to refresh.

Years before, I also struggled to take that time off for myself. I’m sharing this with you so that you won’t need to learn the lesson the hard way like I did. If you didn’t take time to recharge, you would not have the mental clarity and creativity for you to function as needed by your school. For those of you who have already blocked this time off and made plans, at least mentally – congratulations!

In many states, the end-of-year state assessment results are released in the summer. In Arizona, they were out at the end of May. This is often met with much fear and trepidation which I totally understand as I’ve been in that position as well. This was me until I put systems in place that would accurately predict (at least in the ballpark) our end-of-year results. 

Do your district or school assessment results align with your state assessment? If something doesn’t match, it is time to go back and determine why. 

As you review your data, it is an important time to reflect on what happened last year and look forward to what you want to do next year. Remember the 4 Data Steps in reviewing your data. Below, I have provided some key questions for each of the steps to guide your thinking and discussion. My new book will be released in September, and it will contain more examples and questions to help you. 

“Our goals can only be reached through a vehicle of a plan, in which we must fervently believe, and upon which we must vigorously act. There is no other route to success.” — Stephen A. Brennan

Looking Back: Did we meet our school goals?

● If yes, plan your celebrations.

● If not, proceed to data step 2 to discuss possible root causes.

Looking Forward: Based on our results, what are the goals for next year?

● How will we share the data to create a positive data climate? Working Together to Achieve School Goals (debradurma.com)

● Update your data profile The Power of a Consistent Data Profile (debradurma.com) and identify your key questions.

● How will we help teachers focus on areas of greatest need for students?

● What will help teachers focus on areas of strengths and weaknesses for students?

If you would like assistance in clearly defining your data, setting up goals and a data profile for the year, feel free to contact me so I can provide the assistance you need.

Looking Back: Did we solve the root causes of our results last year? What is the evidence?

● If yes, plan your celebrations.

● If not, why not?

Looking Forward: Identify Positive and Negative root causes for your current results.

Understanding and Addressing the Root Cause (debradurma.com)

It is recommended to have an outside facilitator help you conduct your root cause analysis. They can remain neutral to the issues and you, as the school leader, can freely participate in the discussion. If you would like assistance in analyzing your data, you can contact me to discuss your needs. 

This data step occurs as you begin to implement solutions to address your root causes. Data Step 3: Transform Summary (debradurma.com) 

Looking Back: Did you implement solutions last year? If so, where is your school in the transformation process? If transformation is occurring, reward and recognize the evidence of your transformation. 

If you are not achieving positive results, transformation may not be occurring, and it is time to go back to data step 2 and determine why. Is your climate and culture? Is it the instruction and curriculum? Etc. 

Looking Forward: Identify your solutions based on your root causes. 

Be clear on your leadership strategies to transform results:

● What is your vision of academic success for all students? 

● Do you have a positive data climate? If so, what do you need to do to continue this climate in the new year? If not, go back to step 2 and determine why.

● How do you want to empower staff?

● Identify training needs for your solutions.

It is my hope that you achieved the results you wanted in your end-year assessments and that you are well on your way to long-term achievement. If so, celebrate! If not, let’s talk about the next steps to move you closer to achieving results!

“Circumstances may cause interruptions and delays, but never lose sight of your goal. Prepare yourself in every way you can by increasing your knowledge and adding to your experience, so that you can make the most of opportunity when it occurs.” — Mario Andretti

If you are interested in more information or would like assistance with any of the 4 data steps request a FREE consultation call with me. Fill in the Contact Form Link: htt0ps://debradurma.com/contact-us Type in “Yes” for “Are you Interested in STAR Leadership Data Solutions?” You will receive a follow-up email with the next step to schedule a phone call to discuss your needs and questions.