Monitor Learning

Assess students’ learning achievement and growth frequently with data—daily and weekly—from the start and continuing through the year

More Detail

Monitoring student learning data during the year includes the following:

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Use aligned assessments

  • Align with lesson, unit, and annual goals
  • Incorporate standards-based grading
  • Capture data on both mastery and growth
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Track with an effective and efficient system

  • Follow assessment calendar; adjust if needed
  • Standardize and automate some components
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Collect and compare multiple data points

  • Conduct pre-tests for baseline data
  • Assess student grasp daily
  • Use interim assessments (unit, quarter)
  • Observe student activity
  • Confer with students and families informally
  • Use surveys for formal student feedback
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Generate reports to summarize mastery and growth and to guide instructional change

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Analyze data for individuals’ needs, trends, and outliers in each class and across school

See the one-page Instructional Excellence Summary covering all the key elements.

Study Guide

See this printable study guide with discussion questions and real examples from educators:

For Multi-Classroom Leaders—Key Element of Instructional Excellence: Monitor Learning

Instructional Excellence Support Tools

Use this action list and tool to guide and support your teachers:

Instructional Excellence Action List: Monitor Learning and Adjust Instruction—print a copy of this detailed, checkable action list for each teacher you lead

Instructional Excellence Support Guide Overview and Support Tool—use this tool to record observations, provide feedback, and identify next steps

Videos—For Multi-Classroom Leaders & Other Instructional Teacher-Leaders

Watch these short videos of educators discussing the elements of Monitor Learning, organized by action:

More Videos:

General

Track with an effective and efficient system

Collect and compare multiple data points

Analyze data for individuals’ needs

Discussion Questions

Use these discussion questions to help guide your instructional team through the elements of Monitor Learning:

    1. Which actions in this element of instructional excellence are strengths for you or your team?
    2. Which actions in this element of instructional excellence are weaknesses for you or your team? Think about actions you never take, fail to take as often as needed, or do not take as well as needed to achieve strong learning growth consistently.
    3. What one to three specific changes will you or your team make to use your strengths more often or more consistently and improve weaknesses in the coming months?
    4. Make a brief action plan with specific goals, roles, and time by which you will make specific changes!
    5. Did your changes produce better learning results? If so, keep them. If not, think again about what other changes to make!

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