Worst Case Scenarios & Using Data

This module started off with an example from the military. They spend most of their time planning and thinking through every possible scenario when engaging in battle. As teachers and leaders we far too often come up with Plan A for when things go great and Plan B in case things go off the rails. Examining our plans for possible challenges and thinking through various ways to address them help to make us better prepared.

The importance of using data to inform decisions has been very beneficial. I was reminded not only to look to teachers, colleagues, parents and research for data, but to also include student voice. Our students can be valuable sources of information that we often neglect to consult.

Developing an improvement plan for EQAO test scores allowed me to analyze data and develop S.M.A.R.T. goals in a practical setting. Instead of planning for a single PD session, this is a long-range and multi-modal plan for schoolwide improvement. Not only was I looking at various supports and instructional strategies, but I ensured that I was planning for challenges that could develop along the way.

I learned great deal by reading through the improvement plans of both my peers and schools that won the Dr. Bette M. Stephenson Recognition of Achievement awards for excellence in using data to improve EQAO results. I’m eager to incorporate some of the new instructional ideas that I came across in my research into my teaching (e.g. the work of Jo Boaler from Stanford University in the area of mathematical mindsets).