Data Reflections

The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 17

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Thu, 09 Oct 2008 15:10:00 +0000

Datagirl takes on Grading

In this episode, Datagirl discusses grading practices with several teachers to determine if their grades are reflective of student achievement. Can student success be hindered by improper grading practices? How should grades be communicated? Tune in to find out...

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The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 16

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Mon, 22 Sep 2008 16:59:00 +0000

Datagirl and the Accountability Alphabet

In this episode, Datagirl works with a building principal to understand accountability terms found in the school report card. Will a musical approach make learning the terms child's play? Tune in to find out!

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The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 14

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:24:00 +0000

Datagirl Visits Gobbler's Knob

In this episode, Datagirl engages in a discussion about prediction with Punxsutawney Phil and one of his handlers. What are some factors that should be considered prior to conducting a regression analysis? Tune in to find out!

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The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 13

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Wed, 09 Jan 2008 18:17:00 +0000

Datagirl and the Equating Inquisition

In this episode, Datagirl examines the differences between pre-equating and post-equating. Is one approach better than another? Tune in to see what the Council concludes.

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Datapalooza registration has begun!

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Tue, 08 Jan 2008 17:46:00 +0000

Registration for our 3rd annual spring data conference - Datapalooza - has begun!

Early bird deadline is January 31.
Please note our new option for sending teams from one location.
The pre-conference session and vendor forum options do not require registration for the entire conference.

If you have any questions, please contact daspd@wswheboces.org.

We look forward to another exciting event!

Happy Anniversary, Datagirl!

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Fri, 04 Jan 2008 20:32:00 +0000

The Adventures of Datagirl podcast series turns 1 on January 5, 2008. Thanks to all of you who have listened in, loaned your voices, and supported our fun experiment in professional development delivery.

Stay tuned this year for new and exciting episodes and some surprises too...

The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 12

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Thu, 03 Jan 2008 20:46:00 +0000

Datagirl and the week before testing

The latest episode of our podcast series is now available. Tune in and enjoy this very special broadcast...

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Happy Holidays 2007!

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 19:49:00 +0000

Hi there - We are having difficulties with our podcast publishing so please be patient as we prepare episodes 12 and 13. In the meantime, enjoy your holidays and happy new year!

The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 11

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Thu, 15 Nov 2007 16:06:00 +0000

In our 11th episode, Datagirl Returns to the Island of Unmet Standards, Datagirl visits King Minus to get an update on the status of their improvement plan. Did the Island make Adequate Kingdom Progress?

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Another Reason to CONVERGE

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Thu, 01 Nov 2007 14:29:00 +0000

In a recent ABC News article, 1 in 10 schools were considered to be dropout factories. What would have helped these students? The findings in the article (in parentheses) support the other research the CONVERGE team references...engagement (low student expectations led to dull classes), connections (one dropout would have liked someone to tell him "we're going to help you"), and literacy (students are entering HS with poor literacy skills).

The article also discusses legislative proposals to focus on the dropout issue. No matter how dropouts are counted, the aforementioned areas are of utmost concern. How can we focus our attention on the causes of dropping out, not just symptoms, like low test scores?

New nySTART/VITAL links

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Wed, 24 Oct 2007 18:03:00 +0000

There are some new links related to nySTART that might be helpful.

http://vital.thirteen.org/search.php

This link brings you to VITAL: Video in Teaching and Learning that was developed with Channel 13 for grades 3-6 in ELA and Math. You will need to login with a separate account.

http://vital.thirteen.org/Nystart_1024_768.swf

This link brings you to an overview of the nySTART system with voiceover. It is about 10 minutes long and shows the subgroup page, the content strand page, and the links to VITAL. There is no overview of the items page or student level page including parent reports, there is little discussion of the interpretation of the data, and there is no mention of the famous spinning cube. This module is for basic navigation and might be a good starting point for new nySTART users.

Your Questions about Measurement

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Fri, 12 Oct 2007 15:08:00 +0000

In preparation for the Assessment Awakenings session on 10/22 entitled What Teachers/Administrators should know (or ask) about Measurement, we invite you to submit any measurement related questions to our office at daspd@wswheboces.org or post your question to the blog. We will share the answers on the blog after the session!

The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 10

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 12:26:00 +0000

In our 10th episode, Datagirl and the Library of Wonder, Datagirl explores several concepts to investigate what skills students need to be successful. Journey with her and several students through stacks of knowledge to learn what different skills students need to be successful in careers compared to what might be assumed.

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The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 9

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Wed, 19 Sep 2007 19:21:00 +0000

The Adventures of Datagirl and the Summer of Progress.

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DATAPALOOZA - Call for Proposals

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 12:57:00 +0000

It is that time of year - time to submit a proposal for the 3rd annual Spring Data Conference! Just visit our conference webpage to download the proposal submission form and instructions.

We know this event will be bigger and better than last year with your involvement. If you have any questions, please email daspd@wswheboces.org.

The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 8 PART 2

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 17:00:00 +0000

The moment you have been waiting for...Part Two of Datagirl and the Evil Lord Anti-Valid is finally here. Tune in to hear whether or not Datagirl survives the journey to Dark Mountain to confront Lord Anti-Valid...will the citizens ever get tools they need to get accurate results?

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Video Games vs. Music

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Wed, 27 Jun 2007 14:14:00 +0000

Here is some interesting research that I first found on Dan Pink's blog...

If video game spending is going to surpass music spending, and if there is some educational value in gaming (see Wired and msnbc articles), then there might be some value to exploring how new approaches might assist students at-risk as well as students needing enrichment. We have many years of data to explore, we have information about the skills students need to improve, and now we need to evaluate the interventions that we provide to improve skills. If anyone has data on gaming interventions related to K-12, please post a comment. If anyone needs to collect some data on gaming use and its affect on student skills in their district, let's do some of our own research (Datapalooza is next April...)!

http://www.wired.com/wired/archive/11.05/view.html
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4685909/

The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 8

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Tue, 05 Jun 2007 17:33:00 +0000

In this new episode, Datagirl and the Evil Lord Anti-Valid, Datagirl discovers a lost civilization that is suffering because their tools are not accurate. Can Datagirl help the citizens and overthrow Evil Lord Anti-Valid? Tune in for the first part of the story and find out!

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The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 7

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Tue, 01 May 2007 15:28:00 +0000

In Episode 7, Datagirl Answers Your Questions, Datagirl answers your questions! Hear what folks are asking and what insights and suggestions Datagirl has to offer.

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Updates!

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Tue, 24 Apr 2007 19:13:00 +0000

There are some updates to the WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis webpage including photos from the Spring Conference 2007 and the Virtual Vendor Showcase. Also, don't forget to submit your questions for Datagirl (see post below)!

The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 6

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:33:00 +0000

In Episode 6, Datagirl and the Testing Twins, Datagirl intervenes in a heated discussion about the role of different types of assessments. Can Datagirl help the Testing Twins settle their differences and clarify how they can both operate in an instructional setting? Tune in to find out!

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DATAPALOOZA!

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Tue, 17 Apr 2007 14:26:00 +0000

Save the dates for our 3rd Annual Spring Data Conference - April 2-4, 2008! More details to follow. Call for proposals this fall...

Ask Datagirl!

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Thu, 05 Apr 2007 15:18:00 +0000

For the May 4th (Episode 7) podcast, Datagirl will be answering YOUR questions! If you have data analysis, assessment, statistics, or related questions, please email daspd@wswheboces.org with your question and contact information. We may include your question - or even your voice - in the next episode!

Data Conference Reflections

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Tue, 03 Apr 2007 13:27:00 +0000

Well, the 2nd Annual Spring Data Conference - Data Analysis in a Flat World - came to a close last Friday and we are happy to say that we have already started planning for next year (stay tuned for details). The Great Escape Lodge and Indoor Waterpark in Queensbury, NY, provided many meeting spaces and meals to help our conference be a success.

Day 1 - Pre-conference
Participants experienced a variety of hands-on workshops from Blackboard, formative assessment development, and Podcasting in the AM to more Blackboard, pivot tables, and reading assessment analysis in the PM. I heard many comments from folks who are looking forward to implementing these practices and tools in their schools!

There also was a vendor forum with ETS. Despite a last minute location change, the crowd received an overview of several products and enjoyed a lovely lunch.

Day 2 - Conference and Vendor Showcase
After having a hearty Adirondack breakfast and hearing a few words from Dr. Stoothoff about how we need to respond to the dropout rates in NYS and prepare students for the 21st Century global economy, participants attended sessions addressing a variety of assessment/instruction topics. Throughout the morning, attendees also experienced a busy vendor showcase where representatives from Discovery/ThinkLink, Scantron, Corwin Press, Performance Pathways, Pearson Digital Learning, Dell, CTB/McGraw-Hill, Ray Supply, Compass Learning, Apple, ETS, and Media-X displayed their products and services and engaged in conversations about how they could support school improvement efforts (and there were some neat little goodies at each booth as well)!

At lunch, the particpants entered the ballroom for a delicious lunch (topped off at the end with amazing lava cakes) and had a surprise visit from Daffy Duck who is a regular at the Great Escape Lodge! As we finished lunch, we were ready for our keynote speaker, national bestselling author of A Whole New Mind, Dan Pink. His presentation helped attendees focus on the critical skills that will be needed for students to be successful in the changing job market, and based on the questions asked by participants during the talk and the discussions I heard after, folks are ready to incorporate Dan Pink's ideas into classroom practice and school support systems.

I think Dan Pink enjoyed his visit as well - see the post on his website - www.danpink.com.

Thanks to all of the folks who helped make the conference bigger and better than last year!

The Adventures of Datagirl - Episode 5

WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service (WSWHE BOCES Data Analysis Service) — Thu, 22 Mar 2007 16:10:00 +0000

In Episode 5, Datagirl heads to Queensbury, a data analyst struggles with a request from the Superintendent regarding the collection of data connected to 21st century skills. To assist, Datagirl brings the data analyst to meet some of the presenters of the Washington-Saratoga-Warren-Hamilton-Essex BOCES 2nd annual Spring Data Conference. Tune in to find out what data districts should be looking at to prepare students for the future!

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