RATIONALE - DATA USE TO INFORM TEACHERS AND STUDENTS

A meeting in 2013 hosted by the Queensland College of Teachers (QCT, 2013) with representatives of the QCT and relevant employer stakeholders discussed issues arising in respect of new graduates. One area that arose amongst others related to Graduate Teachers ability to use assessment data: Australian Professional Teachers Standard 5.4 (AITSL, 2014). Consistent with the results of the QCT meeting indicating that there was ‘room for improvement’ for Graduate Teachers this professional development resource has been created at the request of my principle to enhance graduate knowledge of data usage by an examination of four key areas addressed in the QCT report with specific emphasis on how to improve data access, usage and comprehension. The four key areas considered are:

• Computer portals and the data collected from reporting and standardized testing – What data is out there;
• Using data to inform practice rather than as a surveillance method – Use of Data;
• Using data to inform practice - Interpretation of Data
• Assessment Literacy and the development of challenging tasks to guide student progress

Drawing upon contemporary knowledge developed by examination of good practice in teaching and learning from teachers that effectively use data, scholarly works and the key report of the University of Queensland, this PD resource has been created to assist teachers enhancement of their knowledge of these aspects of Standard 5.4 (AITSL, 2014).