Blog #8 Data Collection for Reading Conferences

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Blog #8 Data Collection for Reading Conferences

In my last post, I shared research on the effectiveness of reading conferences to meet the individual student needs. Reading conferences allow teachers to notice student strengths in a genuine way, which helps to not only build trust between the teacher and the student but it also allows the teacher to help each student to grow as a reader. After learning more about reading conferences, it is clear that they are an effective research-based approach to meeting the needs of struggling readers. McMillan (2014) explains,“Assessment is an integral part of teaching and learning, not something just done after instruction to document student achievement” (p. 8). When considering the importance of assessment and the value of reading conferences one thing I wondered, “how can I keep track of all my reading conference data?”. In this post, I want to share a few resources I found for organizing reading conference data in order to maximize teacher effectiveness. 

When reviewing common strategies for data collection I came across two common practices for data collection. First, the teacher often reports that it is helpful to have a system to record the conferences happening for a particular class through a class profile and/or weekly plan. This way teachers can ensure they are meeting with each student regularly. 

 Here is an example of a class profile: 
(thinkgrowgiggle) 


The second common component of data collection was a method for individual record keeping. On the individual records, teachers can record the date of the conference, strategy practiced and ideas for follow-up. Many teachers reported using data binders and having a section for each student that they could add to and refer to throughout the year. Other methods I came across including using two-pocket folders.  Serravallo (2019) explains, “When notes are kept in folders (rather than binders or notebooks) they are portable and can travel with the student” (p. 109). In a context where multiple teachers work with the same students such as in a co-teaching setting, folders could be particularly useful. 

Simple K-12 suggest using Google forms to collect conference data. By creating a Google Form the teacher can easily record information from the conference such as student name, what was talked about, areas of need for the future. Another helpful feature of the Google Form is that you can click on Form, then choose Show Summary of Responses and the responses are organized in a Google Sheet. 


In the video below you can see how a google form can be created: 



When researching common data collection methods for reading conferences it became clear that there are many different methods for data collection. When selecting a data collection the key idea is to keep it simple! Whether a teacher is using folders, binders, or computer, data should be: 
  1. Easy to Collect: When collecting data during a conference it should not take away from the conference. Choose a system that feels most natural to you and your teaching style. 
  2. Easy to Access: Select a data collection system that allows you to easily access the data later. Data collection should happen during the conference so that you do not have to spend additional time after the conference organizing data. 
  3. Easy to Share: Whether you are sharing data with families, your administrator or co-teachers create a system that allows you to easily refer to and access your data. 


Resources: 

McMillan, J. H. (2014). Classroom assessment: Principles and practice for effective
standards-based instruction (6th ed., pp. 1-20, 57-64,74-88). Boston, MA: Pearson.

Serravallo, J. (2019) A Teacher’s Guide to Reading Conferences Grades K-8. Portsmouth, NH: Heinemann. 

SimpleK12. (2016, April 20).How to Collect Student Conference Data.  [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?list=PL25qbH_u0_ZkW-H_fvSfQHMAOT8YsW4us&time_continue=1&v=3faFOh2KRVU

Think Grow Giggle. (2018, August, 3). Three Tips for Successful Reading Conference. Retrieved from http://www.thinkgrowgiggle.com/2018/08/3-tips-for-successful-reading.html 

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