Data Analysis Focus Team Training

DEPARTMENT OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT
Data Analysis Focus Team Training

Overview

The Departments of Staff Development and Curriculum & Instruction developed the school division's Data Analysis Focus Team training as a train-the-trainer model. This option allowed schools to identify teacher trainers who guided their colleagues in (1) analyzing and disaggregating test data, (2) developing strategies for improving student achievement in the school, (3) collaborating horizontally and vertically, and (4) creating effective assessments at the appropriate cognitive levels.

2004-2005

For the 2004-2005 school year, staff training was structured to allow schools to identify their SOL and No Child Left Behind training needs. In August 2004, ten schools participated in Level II Data Analysis Focus Team training. Particular emphasis was given to the refinement of data analysis skills, the use of data to inform instruction, and the implementation of strategies to differentiate instruction. Additionally, the training presented a process for creating classroom assessments and quality rubrics that address essential content and assess at appropriate cognitive levels.

Additionally, 28 schools participated in Level III Data Analysis Focus Team training in October 2004. Level III training served as an extension of Level II training, whereby trainers were afforded the opportunity to refine skills learned in Level II. Specifically, Dr. Deborah Wahlstrom provided a half-day training that focused on the topic “Assessing for Success. ” Emphasis was given to grade-level alignment, monitoring the quality of classroom rubrics, and the importance of giving feedback.

On Saturday, October 2, 2004, Chesapeake and Suffolk Public Schools partnered with Regent University in hosting Larry Bell, a national consultant, at the Chesapeake Conference Center. This collaboration was made possible through a grant from the Honorable J. Randy Forbes, 4^th District, in support of the Character, Culture, and Achievement project.

For this special Level III training opportunity, Larry Bell addressed the topic “Closing the Achievement Gap.” Throughout the presentation, he provided practical and effective research-based strategies that every teacher could use to help close this gap. Almost 150 teachers and administrators from Chesapeake Public Schools attended this conference.

The final component of training for Level III schools focused on using the Data Disaggregator. In this training session, participants explored the Data Disaggregator, practiced gathering specific information, and refined the data analysis process. Participants actually manipulated the Data Disaggregator to obtain specific data, including the performance of subgroups and the status of reporting categories. The purpose of this training was to affect classroom instruction by utilizing data to identify strengths and weaknesses in student achievement, by facilitating dialogue about the information obtained, and by applying lessons learned to daily instruction. This session also included a brief update on No Child Left Behind.

2003-2004

Ten schools--31 new trainers--participated in the Level I data analysis school-based training in August 2003. Additionally, 101 veteran trainers participated in Level II training that included two new components. The first component focused on differentiation of instructional strategies and an update on No Child Left Behind. In late fall, Dr. Deborah Wahlstrom conducted the second component of training, "Creating Effective Assessments at the Appropriate Cognitive Levels."

2002-2003

In August 2002, teachers and administrators from 33 schools participated in eight hours of the initial (i.e., Level I) training. With 99 trainers facilitating the process at the building level, team members accomplished the following through collaboration, reflection, and teamwork:

· Became more familiar with their school, department/grade-level, and classroom accountability data

· Developed an understanding of effective techniques for data analysis

· Identified strengths and weaknesses for specific grade levels or content areas

· Developed strategies for improving student achievement in the school

· Agreed upon expectations with the implementation of identified instructional and assessment strategies to improve student achievement

Schools that participated in the Data Analysis Focus Team training are listed in the tables below.

ELEMENTARY

SCHOOL	TRAINED
Butts Road Intermediate
Camelot Elementary
Carver, G. W. Intermediate
Cedar Road Elementary
Chittum, E. W. Elementary
Crestwood Intermediate
Deep Creek Central Elementary
Georgetown Primary
Grassfield Elementary
Great Bridge Intermediate
Great Bridge Primary
Greenbrier Intermediate
Greenbrier Primary
Marshall, Thurgood Elementary
Norfolk Highlands Primary
Portlock Primary
Southeastern Elementary
Southwestern Elementary
Sparrow Road Intermediate
Treakle, G. A. Elementary
Truitt Intermediate
Western Branch Intermediate
Western Branch Primary
Williams, B. M. Primary

MIDDLE

SCHOOL	TRAINED
Chesapeake Alternative School
Crestwood Middle
Deep Creek Middle
Great Bridge Middle
Hickory Middle
Indian River Middle
Jolliff Middle
Owens, Hugo A. Middle
Smith, Oscar Middle
Western Branch Middle

SENIOR HIGH

SCHOOL	TRAINED
Deep Creek High
Great Bridge High
Hickory High
Indian River High
Smith, Oscar High
Western Branch High

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