Clarification:

Effective teachers analyze multiple sources of student data in relation to the implementation of specific instructional strategies to determine the cause and effect relationship between teaching and learning, and specifically how adjustments in instruction are necessary to increase student performance. The effective teacher is, therefore, a reflective practitioner who critically analyzes his or her teaching strategies and behaviors and determines which strategies have the greatest impact on each student's performance. Teachers design instruction, change strategies and differentiate their teaching practices to improve student learning based on assessment outcomes and feedback. There are also systematic feedback loops in place for the teacher to gather instructional effectiveness data from administrators and peers. Teachers collaborate with colleagues in forums such as team meetings that include opportunities for teachers to assess those who are having a significant impact on student learning, why that is happening, and peer coaching to support each other in maximizing implementation and impact. Questions to consider include:

1. Which instructional strategies will best address the student data needs and standards being taught?
2. How will we collect data and feedback to assess how the strategies are implemented and the impact the strategies are having on student performance?
3. What specific data do we have or need to collect that will inform us about the impact?
4. When strategies are working, why is this true? When they are not working, why not?
5. Which strategies are yielding the highest results? Why?

There is a direct connection with this dimension and the Professional Practices and Responsibilities dimension through targeted professional learning opportunities.