It is clearly that data must play a role in every classroom. With the days longer and more students in each class, teachers may feel that working actively and continuously with data will be just another chore. However, teachers must realize that the use of data doesn't have to be a chore. Rather, teachers must find quick ways to incorporate data into the culture of the classroom. Students must see their mistakes--and it is best if they do this "in the moment" rather than two weeks after testing.
Also, students are drowning in a world of bubbled-in halo and scantron sheets. Therefore, teachers should find other ways to collect data. Student reflections at the end of the class could be helpful here. "Tell me one thing you learned today that you could teach again tomorrow" or "Tell me one thing I talked about that you don't fully understand" could be quick reflective prompts to get data in a way other than bubbling in.
Lastly, teachers should be masters of their own data. Don't wait for someone in the central office to do it for you! They will be weeks too late and their data is often less than useful or poorly presented.
