Before we dig into HQSD conversations, it's important to first examine what HQSD is.

Choosing and using high-quality student data (HQSD) to guide instructional decisions and meet student learning needs is key in making sound instructional decisions for students. The teacher evaluation will use at least two measures of district-determined high-quality student data to provide evidence of student learning attributable to the teacher being evaluated. When applicable to the grade level or subject area taught by a teacher, HQSD shall include the value-added progress dimension and the teacher shall use at least one other measure of HQSD to demonstrate student learning. HQSD may be used as evidence in any component of the evaluation where applicable.

It is recognized there are many types of data that can be used to support student learning, and the data include much more than just test scores. These types of data and their uses are important and should continue to be used to guide instruction and address the needs of the whole child but may not meet the definition of high-quality student data for the purpose of teacher evaluation.

The high-quality student data instrument used must be rigorously reviewed by locally determined experts in the field of education to meet all of the following criteria:

• Align to learning standards
• Measure what is intended to be measured
• Be attributable to a specific teacher for course(s) and grade level(s) taught
• Demonstrate evidence of student learning (achievement and/or growth)
• Follow protocols for administration and scoring
• Provide trustworthy results
• Not offend or be driven by bias

AND

The teacher must use the data generated from the high-quality student data instrument by:

• Critically reflecting upon and analyzing available data, using the information as part of an ongoing cycle of support for student learning
• Considering student learning needs and styles, identifying the strengths and weaknesses of an entire class, as well as individual students
• Informing instruction and adapting instruction to meet student need based upon the information gained from the data analysis
• Measuring student learning (achievement and/or growth) and progress towards achieving state and local standards

The following questions were adapted from a resource developed by the SAS Institute.

Step 1: Celebrate Successes

Which students met or exceeded expected growth?

• Last year compared to other years?
• Student group to student group?
• Teacher to teacher?

How did we reach this level of growth?

• Based on local data?
• Based on classroom observation?
• Based on personal knowledge?

Step 2: Identify Areas for Improvement

Which student groups did not make expected growth?

• Last year compared to other years?
• Student group to student group?
• Teacher to teacher?

Where would we like to see students making more growth this year?

Why do we think students did not make the growth that we had hoped for previously?

• What evidence supports these assumptions?

Step 3: Develop a Plan

Given the celebrations and areas for improvements identified, what strategies would make a difference for students this year?

• How can we sustain our areas of celebration?
• How can we refine our instructional program to improve in areas where needed?

Who are the students in our classrooms now who need specific strategies?

• Based on previous results?
• From specific student groups?

Step 4: Advocate for Needs

What help do we need to accomplish our plan?

• What classroom resources?
• What support personnel?
• What types of training or experiences?

How do we advocate for our students' needs?

• Who can help us find resources and funding?
• What evidence will we use to demonstrate the need?

Step 5: Monitor the Plan

How can we monitor our plan for effectiveness for all students throughout the year?

• How often will we monitor?
• What data will we use?

What are our criteria for success?

• How will we define it?
• How will we know when we achieve it?

If you'd like more information, our next Pizza & PD session is on HQSD Conversations in OTES 2.0. Be sure to register here: PIZZA & PD REGISTRATION

If you have interest in learning more, please reach out as we can schedule opportunities within districts, online, or in-person at our agency.

Reach out - we are here to help. tandlsupport@mccesc.org

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If you have a chance, and have not yet read our quarterly ESC Newsletter, the ESC CONNECTION, please feel free to peruse at your leisure. Lots of great things happening at the Madison-Champaign ESC.