As I started my new job as a Reading First Coach, I began to realize just how much work goes into entering data so that teachers are able to analyze the data which drives their instruction. In just my first week, I have already began to enter data into Excel Spreadsheets. Excel can be a beautiful thing! However, it can also be super frustrating!! Luckily, I did not have to create the spreadsheets that I inputed data into. Bless the people that are in charge of figuring out the different formulas so that the data shows what you want it to show. The data which I was inputing was from the PA Profile, which if you are not familiar with that is a Phonemic Awareness assessment. The Excel spreadsheet is an awesome way to show the data. The way the spreadsheet was set up was for the cells to change colors when certain numbers were entered. The colors were red, yellow, and green. This way teachers can see which students are in need of interventions at a glance!
While this particular blog does not have to do with the use of technology while teaching, this is how technology and literacy came together for me this week. Data is a HUGE part of teaching and technology is a HUGE part of gathering, entering, and using the data. And, for the record...this new job is working out great so far! I'm really excited to see where it takes me.
Thanks for sharing some of your responsibilities as a reading coach. I do know those positions are becoming very popular in school districts. Although this course will focus on primarily using technology with students, I believe you illustrate how important technology is to helping teachers do their job. Data are not going to go away and we do need some type of assessment to see how we are doing. Don't hesitate to tell us about some of your adventures in learning about this new job!
ReplyDeleteI think that the work that you are doing is absolutely vital to improving instruction for children. Congrats! You will make a difference with your ExCel sheets. I wish I would have had a literacy coach when I was teaching! I too am excited to hear more about your job responsibilities. Have you heard of any tools yet in this class that you have passed along to the teachers that you work with?
ReplyDeleteThe work you are doing is benefitial for the children and the teachers. I have used the PA Profile before and inputting the data and keeping it on track is difficult but the end product is worth it. I am excited to hear about all your experiences with techology in the classroom.
ReplyDeleteHi There,
ReplyDeleteInteresting Blog.
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