Examining the Data

KEY QUESTIONS TO EXAMINE:  

• What is the current reality in the district/school?  Why are we getting what we're getting?
• How does the current state of this data compare to the desired state?
• Is there a great variation among grade levels or buildings?

Educational Application:  An analysis of several data points is designed to examine what is going on in a district or school.  These data provide information and insight for effective decision making regarding how a district/school might improve their ability to meet expectations for performance.

Teams need to engage in a data analysis to determine current reality.  A few of the data sources we strongly schools to examine include AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress), Iowa Assessment, and Universal Screening data.  

The data from this analysis may be used to reinforce the success a district/school is experiencing as well as identifying potential barriers.  Note that the determination of why a district/school is experiencing the achievement results it is may not be fully identified through this data analysis.  This analysis will determine current reality and identify areas that need further examination.

To assist you with this analysis, here are a few resources we would strongly suggest you use:

• Analyzing Data Protocol 
• Data Based Decision Making Protocol  

ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS TO ASK?

• What does each universal screening measure tell you and not tell you?
• How does this single source of data compare to your healthy indicators report, or to a second source of data (e.g. universal screening and summative; ELI measures and local benchmarking)? 

 

Beginning the SINA journey

As the trajectories continue to climb, we'd like our schools to begin thinking about what their future SINA identification work might look like.  We have created a simple outline of what to expect between spring and fall.  As always, if you have any questions or need additional clarification, please don't hesitate to give one of your Keystone SINA folks a call. 

YEAR 1

1.    If you come a Year 1 SINA building, your Superintendent will receive a letter (email) from the Iowa Department of Education late July beginning of August.  It may be in your best interest to share this information with your Superintendent so they also know what to expect.

2.    Please forward this information to your SINA team Lead as soon as possible.  

3.    You will need to work with your Superintendent in determining how your Identification status will be shared with all stakeholders:  Staff Members, Board Members, Community (SIAC), students, media, etc.

4.    IF IDENTIFIED~ a letter notifying your parents is mandatory.  To access SINA notification letter samples, please go to the Iowa Department of Educations website @ https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/no-child-left-behind/schools-and-districts-need-assistance-sinadina/guidance-schools-and.  These letters can go out at registration (if teachers have already been notified), with parents at Welcome Back/Meet the Teacher/Open House nights, addressed letter to parents via the mail one of the first weeks of school….

5.    Please forward your letter notifying your parents to your SINA team Lead.

YEAR 2

1.    If you go to Year 2 SINA Identification, your Superintendent will receive a letter (email) from the Iowa Department of Education late July beginning of August.  It may be in your best interest to share this information with your Superintendent so they also know what to expect.

2.    Please forward this information to your SINA team Lead as soon as possible.  

3.    You will need to work with your Superintendent in determining how your Identification status will be shared with all stakeholders:  Staff Members, Board Members, Community (SIAC), etc.

4.    IF IDENTIFIED~ a letter notifying your parents is mandatory.  To access SINA notification letter samples, please go to the Iowa Department of Educations website @ https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/no-child-left-behind/schools-and-districts-need-assistance-sinadina/guidance-schools-and.  These letters can go out at registration (if teachers have already been notified), with parents at Welcome Back/Meet the Teacher/Open House nights, addressed letters to parents via the mail one of the first weeks of school….
5.   Please contact Donna Heying, Keystone’s Iowa Support Team member, as soon as possible to begin organizing your buildings Federally Mandated Year 2 Supplemental Education Services (SES).  SES information can be found @ https://www.educateiowa.gov/pk-12/no-child-left-behind/supplemental-educational-services-ses

6.    Please forward your letter notifying your parents to your SINA team Lead.