Chapter 11: Using Student Assessment Data in a PDS to Inform Classroom Practice and Increase Achievement

Using data to inform instruction has been noted as a top priority nationwide. However, not all teachers are prepared or trained to look at data in a way that will enhance their day-to-day teaching. In this chapter, we illustrate how an existing long-term partnership between an elementary school and the division of education at a large public college has already begun the important work of establishing learning communities that collaborate through a PDS (professional development school) partnership to improve student learning. Specifically, we discuss how the results of a PDS self-study resulted in the creation and design of a graduate-level course by PDS participants to examine and research school test data. The course resulted in changes in curriculum that impacted the entire school, as well as improved learning and test scores for the elementary school students.