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Use of Data Has Shown Results for Menomonee Falls Schools

North Middle School
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The Menomonee Falls School District is seen by many in the education field as a model for how data can be used effectively alongside traditional education work.

The New York Times recently publisheda feature on the increasing use of data in primary and secondary education. The paper focused on work happening in the Milwaukee area.

Lake Effect's Mitch Teich met up with North Middle School Principal Lynn Grimm and Associate Principal Scott Marty to talk about the impact data collection has had on their Menomonee Falls school.

"I think all districts have pockets of excellence...What really has been different here in Menomonee Falls has been the systematic approach to this, so that we are having this excellence across all areas," Grimm says. "We are able to use the data to really focus in on which areas need that improvement and be much more specific about where and when. And, that's why we are finding the changes a lot quicker and a lot more dramatic."

Their data collection goes beyond highlighting standardized tests. It includes such things as student surveys of food preferences, how many successful quizzes have been completed, disciplinary actions and even diagrams of words or pictures for younger students.

Collected data helps teachers and administrators adjust lessons or the environment in order to benefit students. According to Grimm, it has helped to create "a systematic way to focus around continuous improvement."

For North Middle School, one example of this "continuous improvement" has been the data collected for their behavioral goal, which showed an 84% reduction of referrals, out of school suspensions and other like actions over a two year time span. 

While some parents may be concerned about how data is being used, district officials say it can keep students, teachers and administrators on track and working towards a goal.

"We really have had a lot of support from the community...we have an amazing staff here," says Grimm. "They always say 'it takes a village,' and we really truly do believe that and we really feel like we're on the right path."

Audrey is a WUWM host and producer for Lake Effect.