Enhancing Student Performance and Communication Through the Use of Data Trackers

Julio Fong • Cahn Fellow 2021

Data, Data, Data… Track it! It is all about communication! Our students test, they see the scores. But do they really know what these scores mean? Do they know how to dissect the information? What can be done with all this data, and how can educators use this data as a tool for student/teacher collaboration? Using data with fidelity means approaching the data with an open mind rather than presumptions about students. Join us on our journey to learn how we track and communicate with our students! Our Cahn project involved implementing the use of data trackers as a tool for students to understand their performance and open communication between students, educators, and parents. The feedback gathered by teachers was utilized to provide differentiated instruction to meet the needs of students. 

Our project focused on student accountability and achievement promoting a positive relationship between teachers and students while stimulating dialogue. By fostering that communication students were provided with differentiated instruction to meet their academic needs.  

“Data is what tells you where you are and where you can be. It’s like the coordinates for your destination.” “Data puts a stamp on your assumptions when they are right.” “Remember, data is not just the street signs, it is the GPS.” “Numbers can give you exponential, once-in-a-lifetime, you-were-lucky kind of a growth.” ― Pooja Agnihotri