The information school administrators collect is excellent, but they often end up storing them – literally. Assessment and accountability movements are making schools have to get data out of the drawers and out into the open. Some are taking this one step further with school data rooms, where teachers are able to access student data in a structured and easily accessible manner.

At Gilliard Elementary School in Mobile, Alabama, color-coded sticky notes are dotted across the walls of a space dubbed “the data room.” The notes inform teachers where their students stand on reading and math standards, as well as discipline and attendance records.

The goal is to aid teachers in identifying students’ needs prior to they become out of control. If a child is not reaching his or their reading goals, the teacher can offer extra practice or work with them outside of school. If a student has issues with their behavior, the teacher might recommend counseling or even consider taking that child from the class.

Baker’s strategy is to have teachers recognize their students’ achievements by putting data in the spotlight. In the spring of 2011, a homeless student proudly announced that he had achieved his reading goal.

Before you make the leap to a school’s data room be sure to protect student privacy and follow FERPA guidelines. This is especially important for data displays in the classroom, where sensitive information like counseling sessions and disciplinary decisions can be accidentally revealed.

look these up