Implementor Spotlight – Data-Based Decision Making Across TN

Data-based decision making is central to aligning RTI²-A and RTI²-B. To make data-based decisions, districts and schools must have access to data that are user-friendly, relevant, and current. These success stories from West, Middle, and East Tennessee offer valuable insights into how RTI² data can be made more accessible and useful.

West Tennessee: Lake County School District

Gerald Prince, the Data Analyst Coordinator for Lake County School District, has been instrumental in supporting the district’s data-driven approach to student success. In his role, he disaggregates academic and non-academic data for the district’s schools and presents this information at district and school-level meetings. The data are then used by RTI²-A + RTI²-B School Leadership teams during their monthly meetings when problem-solving for their schools and students.

The impact of Gerald’s work has been significant and is being felt across the district. According to Suzanne Keefe Atchison, the District Coordinator for Lake County District, the use of data to inform school-based decisions has become much more intentional since the creation of the Data Analyst Coordinator position this year. Carrie Regalado, Assistant Principal of Lake County High School emphasizes the importance of data in making informed decisions, stating, “Using data helps us to be more confident in our decisions for the school, from what classes to offer to the prizes in our Falcon store. Data helps us to be successful and puts us on the path of what we may or may not need.”

Middle Tennessee: Lebanon Special School District

Lebanon Special School District has made investments in improving the accessibility of its student data, and the results are impressive. The district’s commitment to providing easy-to-use data tools has enabled educators to make data-driven decisions quickly and effectively, leading to improved student support.

One key player in this success is Joshua Brown, LSSD’s Instructional Coordinator/Instructional Technology & Student Data Coordinator. Joshua’s expertise and dedication have been instrumental in ensuring that teachers and school leaders have the data they need at their fingertips, even during Tennessee TSC training events!

Melissa Reynolds and Candace Love, District Coordinators for RTI²-A + RTI²-B, have witnessed firsthand the impact of Joshua’s work. They praise his dedication and ability to provide clear data visualizations that allow educators to identify student needs and provide effective interventions.

Overall, LSSD’s investment in accessible data and the contributions of individuals like Joshua Brown are helping the district create a culture where data-driven decisions are the norm!

East Tennessee: Bristol City Schools

Bristol City Schools has made great strides in providing accessible data that support decision making, thanks to the expertise and work of Dr. Michael Hopkins, a district school psychologist. Recognizing the need for a tool that would allow his district to access and analyze student data more efficiently, Dr. Hopkins developed a comprehensive data management system using Excel.

The system he created allows users to view and analyze a myriad of student data, enabling more informed decision making at student and districtwide levels. According to Michael Morrow, Education Consultant for Tennessee TSC, the system allows for a range data to be reviewed in varying combinations. He shares, “As an outside consultant, I appreciate the effort Dr. Hopkins put into creating this system so that the district can truly make meaningful, data-based decisions using relevant data. I’m also thankful that Dr. Hopkins was willing to conduct a webinar for Tennessee TSC that explains his system and how he developed it. Taking time out of his incredibly demanding schedule to do so shows how awesome Dr. Hopkins is!”

Special thanks to Gerald Prince, Joshua Brown, and Dr. Michael Hopkins for contributing to student success as data providers. Thank you for showing others in the state what can be done to make relevant and current data accessible and user friendly for educators!