Using student data in a meaningful way is a common challenge that schools face in their quest to enhance educational outcomes. Many schools struggle with data scattered across multiple platforms, making it difficult to gather, analyze, and apply insights in a timely manner. This fragmentation can lead to inefficiencies, delayed decision-making, and an incomplete understanding of student performance. However, Superior Public Schools has turned this challenge into an opportunity.
We recently had the pleasure of sitting down to chat with Jodi Fierstein, the elementary principal at Superior Public Schools, a rural district in Superior, Nebraska. Jodi shared insights into their journey of adopting their student data and assessment solution, Otus, and how it has enhanced their approach to education over the years.
Three Key Ways Superior Public Schools Leverages Data in Otus to Drive Success
Making Data Work for Teachers
Previously, managing student data was a fragmented process, with information scattered across multiple platforms. Superior Public Schools recognized the need for a centralized solution to streamline data management, making it easier for teachers to access and utilize this information effectively. With Otus, all of Superior Public School’s student data is housed in one place, allowing for a more unified and accessible approach. This shift has allowed educators to spend more time focusing on what matters most – student needs and progress.“Prior to Otus, everything was kind of all over the place in different platforms, and we just weren’t using data as much as we needed to. We felt like having a location for all of that would help the teachers to use it more.”
Personalizing Learning with Custom Standards
Adopting standards-based grading requires a system that supports custom standards and proficiency scales. Superior Public Schools developed a local curriculum with specific standards, outcomes, and components, and needed a platform that could accommodate these unique requirements. The ability to upload custom standards and create tailored assessments within Otus has empowered teachers to align their instruction with the district’s goals. This customization ensures that the assessments reflect the district’s unique educational objectives and provide meaningful insights into student performance.“We have a local curriculum with local standards called outcomes and components, and we’re able to upload those as custom standards into Otus. Teachers are doing summative and formative assessments right in Otus, linking those to our standards and using proficiency scale grading. What we love about Otus is that we’re able to totally customize the assessments to whatever fits our standards. Otus has really kind of been the piece that’s got us to where we’re at.”
Turning Assessments into Action
Superior Public Schools needed a way to analyze assessment data to identify students’ proficiency levels and tailor instruction accordingly. By utilizing Otus to analyze this data, they have facilitated targeted interventions and enrichment opportunities, ensuring that all students receive the support they need to succeed. Otus allows educators at Superior Public Schools to drill down into specific areas where students are struggling or excelling, providing a clear roadmap for personalized learning plans.“Teachers are looking at the data to see which students have met the standard and which need more support. They then do some reteaching and provide opportunities for reassessment. Students who demonstrate proficiency beyond expectations can earn higher scores, ensuring everyone gets what they need.”
