School's begun and hence the data crunch. No amount of data will improve student learning. Yes, it can help teachers adjust instruction, it lets students measure their successes and allows parents to have numbers or grades or stickers to judge their children's progress. But more is not always better.
An objective is the destination of a lesson and formative assessment helps teachers judge how far along the route they are. Typical types include quizzes, exit tickets, questions and observation. The use of rubrics enables tracking students' progress. Once teachers feel the students are developing an understanding, then summative assessments such as tests, portfolios, reflections etc. can be employed.
Determining how much data you need to fulfill school/district requirements is one indicator needed to setting up grade books. But face it - what do you really need to make an impact on student learning? Whatever that is - design your rubrics, binders, tallies around that. Time needs to be spent where it will produce the best results. Consulting with grade level partners and coordinating your data collections can help. No need to replicate unnecessary information. Your time is precious - use it wisely!
