US Department of Education Seeking Public Comments for Collecting New Information from Schools: Proposed Data-Driven Instruction Study

The US Department of Education (ED) is going to conduct a study of data-driven instruction and is requesting public comments on the data collection for the study.

The website for ED Agency Information Collection Activities; Comment Request; Impact Evaluation of Data-Driven Instruction Professional Development for Teachers can be accessed here.

ED is proposing a new data information collection activity. The objective is to understand how data-driven instruction is implemented and to estimate its impacts on student achievement and teacher and principal practices.

ED’s proposed new study would evaluate data-driven instruction in 104 traditional, brick-and-mortar schools from 12 school districts. USED does not plan to include any blended or online schools.

During the study, ED intends to collect the following information:

• Student records
• Teacher-assignment data
• Teacher and principal survey responses
• Teacher logs

ED estimates this process will require 260 personnel hours from participating schools each year.

During the required public comment phase, ED wants to know the following:

• Is this collection of data necessary to the proper functions of ED?
• Will this information be processed and used in a timely manner?
• Is the estimated burden on participating schools accurate?
• How might ED enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information to be collected?
• How might ED minimize the burden of this collection on respondents, including through the use of information technology?

As leaders in the field of blended and online learning, you have tremendous knowledge and experience with data-driven instruction. Your insights will help ED design the study. If you would like to comment or request that online and blended schools also participate in the study, submit your thoughts here.

iNACOL will be submitting comments. The deadline is August 14, 2015.