There are great programs out there that help teachers collect data about student learning. Of course, there are also many factors that dissuade teachers from using information to guide instruction:
- Numbers can be scary.
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There’s trepidation when students are analyzed because the magnifying glass can quickly turn toward the teacher.
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There are questions about the validity of the data.
I understand the third point, but often it’s used as an excuse. It’s true that web based programs aren’t perfect at predicting student mastery of skills, but this doesn’t mean a teachers shouldn’t use them. An imperfect data collecting tool is much more valuable than no tool at all.
Educators should be embracing all necessary resources for determining student achievement–all the while adopting better programs as they’re released.
RISE AND CONVERGE 