Data, Data, Data...Everywhere

Data is the so important to analyzed and used to help drive your instruction in your classroom. Data is also used to help build relationships with students and create a positive classroom culture.

Standardized testing data can be helpful, but the data you collect throughout the year is much more valuable. The data you collect in your class each day will help influence the how, who, what, when, where, and why of your teaching. Data is like a road map. You have a final destination, and your journey to get there includes a few pitstops. These pitstops are your formative and summative assessments. The assessments will help you determine which direction you take, move ahead, take a detour, or even a u-turn.



Here are a few ways to collect student data and use it in your lass:


Using programs such as Mastery Connect, Quizizz, and Kahoot that gives immediate feedback is a great resource to collect data. When I was a math teacher, I always required students to show all work, this is an essential data piece. The programs will tell you their mastery, but the work they show will help you understand the why. This is the piece that tells the real story.



Analyze each question and make a list of students who answered that question incorrectly. Look at the work they showed and write down what mistakes they made. For most students it is a simple computation error, others it maybe a prerequisite skill they are missing.



You can use the data to organize students into groups based on the support they require. Support can be provided using:

The support provided is based on the intended outcome you are looking for and/or the intensity of the support required.


Provide all students the opportunity to continuously practice math concepts using tools such as  spiral reviews, homework, and/or warm-ups. These opportunities can also be used as data.


When I taught a very long time ago, I used a cruising clipboard to make anecdotal notes on what students need support on. It was just a clipboard with some form of paper or document to record notes. This also quickly gave me an opportunity to pull small groups as needed.

Cruising Clipboard

Conversations with students can also be used as data and can help influence instruction. This is why building relationships with students are very important. You want them to trust you enough to share when they are struggling outside of academics. Sometimes students are unsuccessful because of sleep, home issues, friendship drama, and so much. Your students should be able trust you enough to share their concerns that impacts their academics.


In order to have the opportunity to collect data, make sure students understand its importance. Share the how, what, where, when, who, and why of the data you are collecting. Make data so important in your classroom, students begin to collect it themselves. Involve your students in the process. And always remember before you implement things like this in your classroom, develop a plan, model, and practice it.



I set expectations for all parts of my students' day. I include this in my classroom management plans so I can model what I need and want for students. For help with creating a management plan, check out my book Unleashing the Magic. 



Structure and order must be in place before you begin your journey of data collection. Data collection can feel overwhelming without a system in place. Data should be both  intentional and purposeful. Start with the end in mind and move towards your final destination including your pitstops, detours, and u-turns as a part of your road maps.



Check out my TikTok videos for more instructional tips, advise, and strategies you can use in your classroom.

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