---
title: Three Lessons from a Former Educator to Make Data-Driven Instruction (More) Simple
description: NEWS:Cole MS Director of Curriculum & Instruction shares tips for Data-Driven Instruction
---

[HELIX FEED ](https://blog.dsstpublicschools.org/helix)

# [Three Lessons from a Former Educator to Make Data-Driven Instruction (More) Simple](https://blog.dsstpublicschools.org/helix/three-lessons-from-a-former-educator-to-make-data-driven-instruction-more-simple)

 Written by [DSST Public Schools](https://blog.dsstpublicschools.org/helix/author/dsst-public-schools) | 10/08/19

I began each school year as a teacher and eventually instructional leader with goals posted on the walls and highlighted in yellow on team documents. “+5% increase in English Language Arts proficiency.” “Growth percentile at 65 or higher.” But by November, I invariably felt overwhelmed. I’d often ask myself: “How exactly are my students doing? And what in the world should I do tomorrow?”

Fortunately, for instructional leaders wrestling with how to spend precious time and achieve their goals, there is an approach that can help. If there’s one practice I could go back and infuse into my early days as an educator, it’s [data-driven instruction](https://www.engageny.org/data-driven-instruction) (DDI). DDI, which describes using data to analyze student learning and determine next steps for teaching, helps instructional leaders prioritize teacher development while keeping the spotlight on student growth.

[Read the full story here](https://aheadoftheheard.org/three-lessons-from-a-former-educator-to-make-data-driven-instruction-more-simple/). 

[View full post](https://blog.dsstpublicschools.org/helix/three-lessons-from-a-former-educator-to-make-data-driven-instruction-more-simple)

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