VANGUARD+Spring+2014

BOOKREVIEW
The Data Teams Experience:
A Guide for Effective Meetings
by Angela Peery, EdD
New York administrators are familiar
with the term “data driven instruction”
(DDI). Much of the information we have
been provided, collectively, is through the
EngageNY site and is based on the work
of Paul Bambrick-Santoyo. I’ve talked
about DDI with other NY administrators
and our conversations have been honest
and open. In some ways, DDI has been
seen as “one more thing” to do. Many
of us have found the topic overwhelming to implement as
suggested by materials that are currently being shared with us.
If you are looking for a quick read that provides concrete
action steps for implementing data teams in your school, this
book is a must-read. It is just under 94 pages and includes
many practical ideas for launching this initiative and perhaps
more importantly, sustaining it!
The book is eight chapters in length and begins with a
nuts-and-bolts chapter of definitions. It’s a helpful chapter
because it can help set the stage with your possible team and
make sure everyone is starting with the same understanding.
DDI is one of those terms that has been referenced in
different ways over the years, so a common understanding
is paramount. The book ends with a Q and A format allowing
specific questions likely to occur during the implementation of
DDI to be answered.
Dr. Peery explains that a data team is a small team that
examines student work and monitors progress. These teams
can be grade level, department level, or course-alike. The
book also illustrates horizontal data teams, vertical data teams,
and specialist data teams. These examples are illustrated in
word and by visuals, which makes the definitions easier to
understand (and easier to share with teachers). No matter the
makeup of the team, there are the
same basic steps for data teams
to follow:
1. Collect and chart/display
the data
2. Analyze data and prioritize needs
3. Set, review, and revise incremental goals
4. Select common instructional strategies to be employed
5. Determine results indicators
The book also includes rubrics for teams to use to selfevaluate
their performance as a team. This could be a very
useful tool to use with data team members to collect concrete
yet honest feedback about team performance. This rubric is
just one of the many practical tools provided.
I’ve read many books and articles about DDI and still
wondered how to put all the pieces together. This book helped
me see how the pieces could fit in a more succinct, immediate,
and sustainable way.
BOOK REVIEW BY LISA MEADE
Lisa Meade is a practicing middle school
principal who also served as a director of
special education. She began her career
as a teacher, where she remained for 12
years before moving into administrative
leadership areas of responsibility. She has
previously done consultant workshops
for SAANYS and is very highly regarded
for her passion and considerable work
expertise. This year marks Lisa’s 21st year
in education. One of Lisa’s most favorite
roles is that of mom to her son Sam.
15