Data Collection and Student Portfolios

Shared by:

Anne Arundel County Public Schools

Why Collect Data?

• To have in place a reasonable method of documentation. (Portfolio)

• To drive the development and/or revisions of the IEP.

• To assist in monitoring learner progress.• To drive instruction and the modification of

techniques and strategies to insure academic achievement for students.

• NCLB

When do you need data?

• Progress Reports• Annual Review• Present Levels of Performance• Reevaluation Determination• ESY Determination• Complaints• Mediation• Hearings

Purpose of Portfolios

• Motivate students

• Promote learning through reflection and self-assessment

• Enhance student achievement

• Show learning/progress over time

• Provide input from all stakeholders

Benefits of Portfolios

• Assesses students’ learning styles

• Enhances ability to communicate with parents

• Helps fulfill professional and legal requirements of accountability

• Aligns focus and content of assessment with learning

Data Collection is:

• A decision making tool• A way to record the skills you are teaching• A way to measure progress• A way to provide mastery data as needed

for the IEP• A way to share information with the team• A way to utilize diagnostic, prescriptive

teaching

Data Collection is not:

• Just a notebook• A collection of papers• Extra work, if you have a good system• A measurement of EVERY skill or

response!• Useless information• Time consuming, if your system meets your

needs and style

So How Do I Do This???

• Keep it simple.• Use similar objectives when possible.• Align objectives to curriculum.• Choose data collection methods that you are comfortable with.• Use similar criteria when possible.• Set a schedule and stick to it.• Keep data sheets handy. (On a clipboard)• Color-code. Use colored paper clips to get organized. Choose a

color for each area you are collecting data in.• Use printer labels.• Cut and paste objectives to data sheets when you write the IEP.• Don’t do it alone. Work collectively with all team members.

What can I use as the portfolio?

• Hanging file folders

• Binders

• Computer files

Data Sources

• Teacher Checklist• Task Analysis• Anecdotal Log• Frequency Chart• Phone Log• Report Card• Progress Report• Student Work Samples• MSA/Benchmark scores• Informal testing

Examples of Specific Items That Can Be Included In a Portfolio

• Work samples over time• Observation notes• Writing Samples• Completed data sheets• Testing &/or baseline data• BIP w/data• Student self assessments• The IEP

Final Word…

• A Student Portfolio is not simply a student file or collection of artifacts. In order for the data collection to be meaningful, the items must be analyzed and interpreted so that conclusions can be made regarding the learner’s progress.