Data Talk: Creating Teacher and Administrator Partnerships Around Data – Practical Strategies for Improved Student Achievement

Description

This data book is different from any other you may have read or seen before!! The purpose of this book is to move educators from the passive voice in the performance of data-driven decision making for instructional improvement to the active voice. This is accomplished by identifying typical questions and concerns that teachers and administrators confront in their practices throughout a school year. These questions are readdressed through a prescriptive, sequential, logical, and readable process using a school calendar as a template. This book will enable teachers and administrators to develop strategies related to data-driven decision-making for instructional improvement and to focus on the equitable application of their skills and resources to maximize the learning of individual students. The matrix for which data-driven decision-making is discussed is based on the interactions of teachers and students within the classroom setting. Teachers and administrators alike will acquire the skills to develop student growth plans aligned with effective teaching practices. The contents of this book are based on the theoretical frameworks related to educational research, including: problem formulation, data analysis, action research design, and formative and summative assessments. Data collection approaches using tests, interviews, surveys, and observations are demonstrated.

About the author

Dr. Wafa Deeb-Westervelt
Dr. Wafa Deeb-Westervelt is the Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction for the Freeport Public Schools, located in Nassau County, Long Island, New York. She is also an adjunct assistant professor at Hofstra University in the Teaching, Literacy, and Leadership Department. Her passion for education began as a little girl growing up in the Middle East, and this book is based on that passion for helping students flourish, as well as on her work with educators during her 23 years in public education. She has presented at numerous local, state, and national conferences, including the International Reading Association and New York City’s Celebration of Teaching and Learning 2010 Conference, on a wide range of topics relative to data-driven decision making, Action Planning, Response to Intervention, and enhancing organizational and professional etiquette skills. She was recognized by the New York State Council of School Superintendents in 2002 when she was awarded the Raymond R. Delaney Scholarship Award. Dr. Deeb-Westervelt received her B.S. and M.A. from Adelphi University and her administrative certification, Professional Diploma, and Doctorate from Hofstra University.

Dr. Eustace G. Thompson
Eustace G. Thompson is currently Associate Professor and Chair of the Department of Foundations, Leadership, and Policy Study at Hofstra University. He also serves as the Graduate Program Director of the Certification of Advanced Studies program. He introduced a doctoral course, Curriculum Management and Evaluation for Leaders and co-designed a doctoral workshop course, “Teachers’ Use of Data to Enhance Student Achievement”. He received his B.A. from the City College of New York in political science and secondary education, his M.S. in secondary education from Long Island University, his M.A. and Ph.D. in educational administration from New York University. He was formerly the Deputy Superintendent of the Uniondale Public Schools, located on Long Island, New York. He has 37 years of experience in urban and suburban public schools settings and has held the positions of assistant superintendent for curriculum and instruction, high school principal, middle school principal, assistant principal and secondary social studies teacher. He has been active in numerous professional organizations having served as Executive Vice-President of the Long Island Council of Administrators and Supervisors and as a representative on the Instructional Television Service Committee of WLIW Channel 21. He served in the positions of Adjunct Professor of Educational Administration at Baruch College and as Adjunct Professor at Five Towns College in the Department of Education. Dr. Thompson is a curriculum auditor having received International Management Audit Curriculum certification in Atlanta, GA in 1995. In addition, he is certified to train teachers and administrators in the areas of Walk-Through Supervision and Curriculum Deep Alignment. His special interests include curriculum development and organizational leadership.