I just started a "class" on line with ASCD - they are offering it free for 30 days. It's called "Using Data to Determine Student Mastery." This PD Online® course explains the science of data in relation to education, and the importance of designing assessment systems and knowing where and when to collect useful data will be explained.

The initial module was very "scientific" but helpful - and more fun/helpful as I reviewed the other modules! This would be a good "mini-course" if your personal professional growth plan is around the use of data to inform instruction.

I did find some key take aways in the other modules that would help us in conversations with our teachers:
* Module 1: Be sure you have common definitions and understandings for the types of assessments you are using - diagnostic, formative, summative, Be sure we use data to determine whether we need to modify/reteach. (I do have a hang-up with "data-driven" - I believe we should be "results driven" and "data informed"! I think there is a difference between being informed by data and driven by data. I want to be driven by results!
* Module 2 - Using Data Purposefully. I think this module would be great for a discussion around purpose of assessment questions (e.g., select response, short-answer response, essay question, performance test, exhibition, demonstrations). Key Takeaway: It's about the standard, then the testing! I also appreciated the emphasis in one of the video clips of PLCs looking at student work and then talking about what's needed to take the learning to the next level! And the use of "essential questions" for teachers to use as they look at the data help focus the conversations!
* Module 3 - Gathering Formative Data - There is great information from Marzano on the power of questions and to understand the levels of questions. (I am a true believer in how the level of the questions and the level of the answers teacher accept for their questions shows the level of learning going on in the classroom!) Key Takeaways - power of questions and role of exit slips (see Marzano's work on types of prompts).
* Module 4 - Questioning Strategies: Emphasis was on power of a taxonomy (e.g., Blooms, Bloom's Revised, Gallagher & Ascher, Marzano - they never mention DOK but that might be included as well) to guide your purpose in the questions as well as the level of the questions themselves. Key Takeaway - don't wing the questions, plan for them!
* Module 5 - Reporting Student Mastery. It's all about standards-based grading. Two great articles by Patricia Scriffiny (already on our Standards-Based webpage) and Laurie Amundson - I will add it to our page on grading. This would be a great module to review if you are looking at standards-based grading.

You can access this free course for 30 days athttp://www.ascd.org/make-a-date-with-data.aspx?utm_source=ascd.org&...

Would this be good for staff who are new to standards based grading?

Becky, I think it would be good for anyone, although I would recommend the curriculum leads review it and determine if appropriate for the educators in their district.