Driven Decision Making Proponents of Term Paper

Total Length: 985 words ( 3 double-spaced pages)

Total Sources: 3

Page 1 of 3

With accurate data, students in need of particular help can be identified much earlier and helped more effectively.

To do this, educators themselves need to assume the role of researcher. Because students and classrooms have unique characteristics, teachers working with them can best assess their needs at any given time. The root of making this approach a success, however, is effective communication not only between teachers, but also with state administrators.

Marlow Ediger (2003) uses this element to point out the reasons for the relative ineffectiveness of data-driven decision making. The difference between this author's and the others' opinion lies in the definition and implementation of data-driven systems. According to Ediger, data is in itself a very specific science. The application of this approach to the teaching profession is to assume that teaching is itself an accurate science. There can be little dispute that it is not. Each teacher, being human, is unique in his or her approach to students. Each student is furthermore unique. According to Ediger, this is precisely why data-driven decision making cannot apply to the teaching profession in terms of assessing student needs and/or improvement. Instead, Ediger suggests a less rigid approach to assessment, such as the portfolio philosophy. By using portfolios rather than rigid data, teachers can recognize the flexible nature of teaching and learning, and make improvements accordingly.

Stuck Writing Your "Driven Decision Making Proponents Of" Term Paper?



I believe that each author mentioned above makes valid points both for and against the data-driven approach. While I tend to agree with the fact that information provides the teacher with the power to make effective teaching decisions, it is also important to consider points such as those made be Ediger. However, Ediger's view appears to suggest that the gathered data are to be taken at face value without acknowledging each student's unique learning ability and style.

The other articles do not appear to suggest this. Instead, data are to be used as a tool for improving not so much the student's results themselves, but rather improving these results by means of teaching adjustment. As Shorr suggests, the student and the community are the focus of help rather than of rigid assessment.

I do however believe that Ediger makes a valid point at the end of his article, that teachers need to continuously research new means of assessment in order to provide this help. As such, he is in agreement with Johnson, in the emphasis on the teacher as researcher. Johnson mentions that the teacher, being closest to the classroom situation, can best estimate and research the needs of each individual student. Data-driven decision making is a tool towards this end......

Show More ⇣


     Open the full completed essay and source list


OR

     Order a one-of-a-kind custom essay on this topic


sample essay writing service

Cite This Resource:

Latest APA Format (6th edition)

Copy Reference
"Driven Decision Making Proponents Of" (2007, January 28) Retrieved May 21, 2025, from
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/driven-decision-making-proponents-40383

Latest MLA Format (8th edition)

Copy Reference
"Driven Decision Making Proponents Of" 28 January 2007. Web.21 May. 2025. <
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/driven-decision-making-proponents-40383>

Latest Chicago Format (16th edition)

Copy Reference
"Driven Decision Making Proponents Of", 28 January 2007, Accessed.21 May. 2025,
https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/driven-decision-making-proponents-40383