If anyone had asked me before my great journey to IR and Kenan what my expectations were, I certainly would NOT have said that I hoped to learn more about data and how to utilize it more in my instruction.  However, after the session in Raleigh about data, I would have to say that has been the biggest change I have made in my teaching this year!

Before I would be guessing about what motivated my students, or the challenges they faced on a daily basis.  By putting into place several of the ideas presented, I now have a better understanding of the students and am better equipped to meet them where they are and take them where they need to go in a manner best fitting.  I am also more empowered as a professional to encounter the DREADED teacher evaluation without dread… because I am fully equipped for battle 🙂 I found it so fitting that one of the most famous lines in the Wizard of OZ (movie) deals with just my topic…”Professor Marvel never guesses, he knows!” With data, I don’t have to guess anymore!