Toad-ally Exceptional Learners

If you walked into my office and looked at my desk you would fall over. My desk by day 5 of the school year--OMG! I know I'm not alone. With all the paperwork, files, reports, and student data well--it's a wonder that any of us are organized. #amIright?

After 14 years of trying everything from one binder for all my students, (mind you that 1 large binder with 40 students) to buckets to file folders. Nothing worked to keep each students data, work, progress monitoring, teacher conference notes. So last summer, I decided to try student data binders and make my students responsible for everything. My students LOVED them. FYI: It was these binders moved my students more than a year. #SWEET #studentmotivation

Why keep a Student data binder?

Well… the answer to this is different for everyone, so I will just share why I keep one… and it’s a super simple reason: It keeps me organized. In this data obsessed age (ahh me), there is so much to keep track of. Compiling it all into a portable binder makes my life easier. No more running around to three or four different files to find current information on my seconds! I can just grab and go at a moments notice! (Who can remember all those student meetings, anyway?!) I love having my data in one place to show teachers and parents. #perfect

My idea Teacher and Student Data binders hold all things IEP in 1 place. All the IEP goal data and progress monitoring together, organized that IEP writing is a grab and write. Grade Level meeting grab and go!

Data binders are an essential component of a strong classroom learning community. Every student has their own binder.

We set goals for everything and so far it has changed the look of my classroom. We use a data binder to keep track of all the goals (think SLO or Student Learning Objectives).
Students keep guided reading books, attendance, work samples, IEP snapshot and more in their binders.

Data binders can take many forms, but the goal is the same: to drive student performance, improvement, and self-awareness. Students can document their learning and growth over time which increases their growth by years end. #morethanayearsgrowth

Students tracking goals and their data building more intrinsically motivated students who track and met their goals.

My Teacher and Student Data Binders include:

Binder labels
Sounds/Letters both upper & lower case
Number Identification 0-30
Fry Sight Words
Oral Counting
Letter writing
Basic Shapes
Phonics Survey
I Can Early Math Statements
Graphs for all assessments included
Marzano’s Student Self-Assessment Rubric & Poster Set (Robots)
2 different Phonics Surveys
Weekly Self-Assessment
Reading level/Running Record Trackers
2017-2018 Calendar

Other Ideas:

IEP snapshots (for easy access for goal setting sessions)
Student/Teacher Created Rubrics
Anchor Charts
Goal Setting and Conference Sessions
SMART Goals

You can add what you need and make it your own. I use my Student Data Binders to push students to challenge themselves and grow.

My Teachers Binder has ALL the formative assessments I use to track IEP growth or progress monitor. I add assessments as IEP goals change. I don't have time to look for it. Grab and go. The best when you're being pulled in 100 different directions. #Iknow

This system has been extremely intrinsically motivating for all my students.

Until Next Time,