ELLs and Data Binders

First I want to thank you so much for stopping by to learn how you can implement data binders with your ELLs.. There is so much data thrown at us as teachers. There are instances when we as teachers can feel as if we are doing an assessment a week. One struggle is presenting this data to our students, so they can break it down to hone in on their strengths and areas of growth.

Three years ago I was so frustrated with how much we were testing. I felt as if every three weeks I was adjusting my schedule to accommodate the testing schedule. Furthermore the students were asking me repeatedly how they did on the assessments. At the time I was so overwhelmed with how much data we were being given, that I didn’t completely understand how to present that data to the students. I started to reflect on some of my own encounters with data. For example, breaking down my data for my Praxis or when I have an observation. My students deserved and needed to know how to interpret the data on the assessments they were taking. I wanted my students to take responsibility for their own learning. I wanted them to be able to proudly say they can do this!

I knew I needed to make a change, and I reflected on how I was keeping up with my own personal data in my life. Then I had a thought why don’t I just create a data binder for my students. I have seen other teachers in my building keep data binders for themselves, and I thought who really needs the data binders is the students. This will give them the opportunity to reflect, adjust, and set goals.

So I got to work creating graphs and reflection questions for my students to put in their binders. Using a data binder in my classroom would directly impact the students learning. I created a data binder for the students that they use EVERYDAY in classroom. I wanted to provide them with the opportunity to reflect daily. In the data binder I have the students log and set goal on their language proficiency exam. I also have a portion where the students reflect on where they are with the learning targets for the day using an emoji system. This binder provides the students with a real opportunity for them to OWN their learning.

Now it’s time for you to implement a data binder system with your ELLs. I have one already ready to go for you in my TPT store. Just simply print and implement. It also includes video instruction where I explain how to use the binder with your ELLs. How are you having your ELLs own their learning?