Two Questions to Ask During Data Analysis: How many students are succeeding in the subjects taught? Within those subjects, what are the areas of strength or weakness? HO2

What Should a Good Goal Look Like? There should be some baseline data that can be used to measure improved performance. The goal must be specific and measurable. It should be a worthwhile goal and require specific effort to be attained. The method of collecting data to measure the attainment of the goal must be clearly stated. The base line data does not have to be derived from a formal assessment administered at the beginning of the year. If there is data that for the last three years an average of 30% of the students in Algebra I failed the semester exam, this may become the baseline data for a goal to increase the percent of students passing the semester exam. The baseline data can not be based on one’s opinion or feelings, there must be some real data or there will be no way to measure progress. If a goal is established where no real data exit, some form of pre-assessment must occur. Many teachers will want to set a very broad goal that would require a massive amount of evidence to document achievement of the goal. Clearly communicating that a very detailed method of collecting data as evidence of mastery must be part of the Implementation Plan, will help the teachers narrow the focus of their goal. Administrators will not have time to adequately monitor large volumes of evidence from their teachers. It is important that the evidence for attainment of goals is clear. It is also important the administrators develop a manageable way to assess goal attainment. Refer to page 16 of the handbook for the Administrator’s Guide for Establishing Goals. HO3

Sample Goals 80% of students in the first grade will be reading on the Fountas and Pinnell Level H by April 2004. 85% of third grade students will be at the extending writing stage on the third grade writing assessment in April or have moved at least two stages on the writing assessment rubric from September to April. The percent of students not meeting standard on the fourth grade CRCT mathematics test will decrease by 15%. 98% of the tenth grade students will pass the mathematics GHSGT on the first try. All of the sample goals are specific and measurable. Benchmark data would be available from the previous years test data or it could be collected by teachers at the beginning of the school year. The Student achievement Implementation Plan Form (appendix G) should be used to completely outline the process for each goal. Have participant look at sample Student Implementation Plans on pages 25-28 of the Handbook. Discuss the sample form. Have participants work in groups to draft a Student Achievement Implementation Plan for one of the above goals or one of their own choosing HO4