Bridging the Gap between Data and Instruction to Promote School Readiness

States are increasingly endorsing collecting data in the early childhood classroom to measure instructional quality, as well as to enhance classroom- and school-based improvement efforts (Meisels, 2006; National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2009). While an increase in available data has the potential to inform decisions in the classroom, many educators report a need for clearer guidance in analyzing, interpreting, and using the data they collect (Sandall, Schwartz, & Lacroix, 2004; U.S. Department of Education, 2009). Thus, efforts must be made to improve resources and training to provide early childhood educators the opportunity to build their capacity for data proficiency and decision-making within schools. As professionals build their capacity for data-informed decision-making (DIDM), children will benefit from instruction that is responsive to real-time information, and interventions that are tailored to their individual needs

Bridging the Gap between Data and Instruction to Promote School Readiness

States are increasingly endorsing collecting data in the early childhood classroom to measure instructional quality, as well as to enhance classroom- and school-based improvement efforts (Meisels, 2006; National Association for the Education of Young Children, 2009). While an increase in available data has the potential to inform decisions in the classroom, many educators report a need for clearer guidance in analyzing, interpreting, and using the data they collect (Sandall, Schwartz, & Lacroix, 2004; U.S. Department of Education, 2009). Thus, efforts must be made to improve resources and training to provide early childhood educators the opportunity to build their capacity for data proficiency and decision-making within schools. As professionals build their capacity for data-informed decision-making (DIDM), children will benefit from instruction that is responsive to real-time information, and interventions that are tailored to their individual needs