Data for Instruction
Explore resources designed to support educators in using data to refine teaching and learning. 
- View a visual diagram of all six practices
- Watch a topic overview and download planning templates
- Listen to an expert
Explore the subtopics below to learn more about the recommended practices:
To learn more about the research underlying these practices, view the IES Practice Guide, Using Student Achievement Data to Support Instructional Decision Making.
What Do You See in These Data?
Data for Instruction > Improvement Cycle > Learn What Works
Dr. City suggests that teachers work collaboratively as they learn to use data efficiently in a cycle of instructional improvement. Dr. City offers examples of examining the data, developing...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Prepare, Inquire, Act
Data for Instruction > Improvement Cycle > Learn What Works
Dr. Elizabeth City discusses how teachers can enact a three-step “Prepare, Inquire, Act” cycle of instructional improvement. Dr. City encourages teachers to work through this cycle testing...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Digging Into the Statewide Testing System
Data for Instruction > States & Districts
Listen to this audio interview to learn about a statewide data system to support instructional decision making. The data system includes three major components that dig into the statewide testing...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Ohio Decision Framework
Data for Instruction > States & Districts
This audio interview presents information on a statewide data tool that districts use as a decision-making tool for school improvement. As districts use the decision framework, they focus on the...
Resource Type
Expert Interview
Visual Diagram: Data-Driven Decision Making
Data for Instruction > Overview & Tools
This diagram serves as a visual reminder of the five interrelated practices that are recommended for using student achievement data effectively to support instructional decision making. A...
Resource Type
Visual Diagram
District Supports for Data Use
Data for Instruction > Districtwide Data > See How It Works
Sara Ptomey, executive director of curriculum and instruction, discusses the supports provided at the district level for using data. Program directors and skills specialists offer professional...
Resource Type
School Example
Immediate Feedback
Data for Instruction > Districtwide Data > See How It Works
Hear Richard Blair, a district leader, explain the components of the districtwide data system. The data system integrates data from state and district assessments and includes components for lesson...
Resource Type
School Example
It’s Not Something That’s Static
Data for Instruction > Data-Driven Culture > See How It Works
The principal and department chair at one high school discuss how the staff uses data to develop curriculum. At this high school, staff members consider curriculum development to be an ongoing...
Resource Type
School Example
Breaking It Down
Data for Instruction > Data-Driven Culture > See How It Works
Listen to two teachers describe the Subgroup Master data spreadsheet used by all teachers at their school. The Subgroup Master helps teachers examine data by breaking it down by class period and...
Resource Type
School Example
Visualizing Data in the Progress Pad
Data for Instruction > Data-Driven Culture > See How It Works
Listen to a former principal talk about how they quickly visualize classroom data in the Progress Pad. In a room set aside for this purpose, teachers enter student data onto red, yellow, or green...
Resource Type
School Example
Carrying Out the Vision
Data for Instruction > Vision for Data > See How It Works
Listen to the principal of a middle school talk about carrying out the vision and purpose for data use at her school. Staff members examine data together to align the school curriculum with...
Resource Type
School Example
Earning Trust
Data for Instruction > Vision for Data > See How It Works
A principal discusses the culture of trust established at the school. The principal emphasizes the importance of earning trust, building strong communications, and working collaboratively. Because...
Resource Type
School Example
