School Data Rooms Bring Data Out of the Drawers and Into the Open

The information school administrators www.dataroomdata.com/the-process-of-document-management-in-education gather is fantastic however, they usually end up keeping them in storage, literally. The accountability and assessment movements are pushing schools to get the data out of their drawers however, and out into the open. Some are taking this one step further by establishing school data rooms, where teachers can see student information in a structured and easily accessible way.

Walls of colored sticky notes are the walls of Gilliard Elementary School, Mobile, Alabama. The notes tell teachers how their students are doing on the math and reading standards, as well as the discipline records and attendance records.

The aim is to assist teachers in identifying and meeting students’ needs, before they become too much. For instance, if a child isn’t meeting their reading goal, the teacher may offer additional instruction in class or help the student outside of school. If a child is having problems with their behavior, the teacher may recommend counseling or even consider taking the child from the class.

Additionally, by putting the information in the spotlight, teachers can also celebrate the progress of their students, which is a crucial aspect of Baker’s plan. In the spring of 2011, a homeless student proudly announced that he had met his reading goal.

Make sure you follow FERPA guidelines and protect student privacy before you make the switch to a digital room. This is especially true for data displays in the classroom, where sensitive information like counseling sessions and disciplinary decisions can be accidentally exposed.