School Data Rooms Bring Data Out of the Drawers and Into the Open

The information school administrators collect is valuable however, they usually end up storing them – literally. Accountability and assessment initiatives are forcing schools to bring data out of the drawers and onto the table. Some are taking this one step further with school data rooms, where teachers are able to see student information in a well-organized and easy manner.

Walls with colored sticky notes cover the walls at Gilliard Elementary School, Mobile, Alabama. The notes inform teachers about what their students are learning on the math and reading standards as well, as they provide attendance and discipline records.

The aim is to help teachers in identifying and meeting students’ needs prior to they become too much. If a child is not fulfilling his or his reading goals teachers can provide additional practice or assist students outside of school. If a child is experiencing an issue with their behavior and the teacher is concerned about it, they can refer them for counseling or even consider taking that child from their classroom altogether.

Additionally, by putting the information in the spotlight teachers can also share their successes with their students. This is a major element of Baker’s program. In the spring of 2011, a homeless student was proud to announce that he had accomplished his reading goal.

Before you decide to move to a data room for your school, be sure you can ensure the privacy of students and follow FERPA guidelines. This is especially true for data displays in the classroom, where sensitive details like counseling sessions and disciplinary action can be accidentally shared.

school data rooms