These stories from the final issue of Changing Schools in Louisville--
a tabloid newspaper published by the Focused Reporting Project about the
Jefferson County, KY school system -- review the wealth of student and school
achievement data available in the Jefferson County Public School system
and describe how some schools are attempting to use that data to help students
meet state and local academic standards.
You will need the Acrobat Reader software (free
at this site) to view the issue. If you would like a paper copy, an
email request and include your postal address.
[HINT: The PDF file includes 16 pages in 11" by 17" format. If
you'd like to print them on an 8.5" by 11" page, set your print
or page-setup setting to 80%. If your printer balks, try printing a few
pages at a time.]
The contents of this issue on using school data include (tables
and charts for these stories can be viewed in the PDF file):
Editorial: Goodbye, Yellow
Brick Road
Why, earlier this school year, did one long-time researcher in the JCPS
middle schools observe that, in its planning, the district seems to lack
"a clear recognition of the depth of support required at the schools
to ensure strong school-based professional development that will lead to
improved curriculum and instruction and student achievement"? Why is
it so difficult for the school system to act on what it knows to be true?
Data-Driven School Reform:
It's Easier Said Than Done
Middle schools are under increasing pressure to raise student achievement.
District and state leaders say the answers are in the data. But like any
tool, data must be put to good use to be effective.
Sidebar: Design Qualities
for Professional Development
Educators at Barret Middle
Are Asking the Hard Questions
With the help of former parent volunteer Annette Doyle, educators at
Barret Traditional Middle School are using student data to look beyond the
school's averages and determine what's working and what's not for all kids.
"Are the Things We're
Doing Working for Our Kids?"
The Kentucky Association of School Councils provides in-depth training
that can help schools delve more deeply into the results of the Kentucky
Core Content Tests. During a session at Iroquois Middle School, teachers
and parents uncover some difficult questions about school performance.
Taking Direction from the Leader
of the "Band"
Superintendent Steve Daeschner uses test scores and socioeconomic information
to single out high- and low-performing middle schools for praise and criticism.
"This year," Daeschner says, "I said, 'It's time for me to
tell you what the expectations are, and you're below them.'"
What Schools Should Be Asking
About Student Achievement Data
Some questions that Jefferson County assessment coordinator Ken Draut
and his staff believe school teams should be asking about school data.
Back to the bibliography
for Changing Schools in Louisville.
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"School
Reform By the Numbers" (PDF file)