Student Data Meetings: Empowering Student Success

As educators, we are always looking for ways to support our students in reaching their full potential. One way to build academic relationships, trust, and ensure all students grow within the classroom is by holding data meetings. These meetings don't have to happen every week, but the more consistent and frequent they are, the more students will always be working toward their individualized goals.

When scheduling the data meeting, consider what kind of data you want to share with the students. Start small! Don't overwhelm them by presenting every single piece of data. To make sure you have enough time to meet with all of the students, set a timer. I usually allocate about two minutes to meet with each student.

Today, we are going to look at the MAP Data assessment and how to set up data meeting before or after the MAP assessment.  WAIT, just because the test is give three times it a year, it does not mean you can only have three data meeting about MAP data.  If fact, I would include the RIT goal on a regular basis when conducting data meetings.  ​

---

Print a Goal Setting Sheet For Each Student

Please make sure to create or print a year-long MAP Goal Tracker that students can keep in their data binders. The tracker should include space for the RIT Score, RIT Goal, and a place to write down a goal. It would be helpful to also include a section where the student and teacher can check in on the goal at least three times before the next MAP assessment.

Click here is a sample goal sheet from our website. 

---

Review the Student Profile Report

When reviewing the MAP data points, call the students in for individual data meetings. Start by explaining what RIT is and how the RIT score can demonstrate growth and achievement over time. Then, open the Student Profile Report and show the achievement mountain and the progress they have made over time.

---

Student Achievement Norms

STOP: Don't Skip This Step.  Before setting a RIT Goal, it's important to review the Student Achievement Norms provided by NWEA. The RIT Norms will show the average RIT score for your grade level and where the student falls within the range. This will help to put into perspective how many points to increase the RIT Goal. It also provides a good talking point with parents and students about the RIT Scores.
Would you like a copy? Get a FREE download

---

Write The RIT Score and Goal Down

Now, it is time to record the current RIT Score and the RIT Goal. The Student Profile Report will provide a projected achievement RIT score. You can adjust the RIT score on the report to show what happens once the student meets their goal. Will they move up a color? Will they jump two color bands?

---

Set an academic goal with the student on how to meet the RIT goal. A great way to set achievable goals is to use the SMART goal system, where it is measurable, specific, attainable, relevant, and within a given time period. We took the idea of SMART goals and generated MAP goal stems based on the different color bands from the MAP assessment.
Click here to grab a copy of the Goal Stems.

---

Ultimately, student data meetings have the power to transform the educational experience for students.