Using Data to Inform Curricular and Instructional Focus

Sandusky Community Schools, located in the community of Sandusky, Mich., uses SAT Suite data to help drive informed decision making on instruction in cyclical fashion.  

Former Principal Steve Carlson explained, "We've used the SAT Suite of Assessments to improve our curricular and instructional focus as we try to provide the best education possible to our students.

“Our spring assessment scores serve as our jumping-off point each fall to explore what curricular and instructional areas our school wants to focus on for the coming year. This year-to-year data, at the cohort level and the building level, help our teachers to identify ’low-hanging fruit.’ The data show us to be close to success but that we need a little adjustment to our approach. The data also help to show us any areas that might need immediate attention if we see any glaring deficiencies. 

Just as importantly, these data highlight our many successes and allow the staff at Sandusky Junior/Senior High School to feel validated about our efforts."