The term data-driven instruction refers to a teacher's use of the results from various student assessments to plan instruction. Research has shown this process to be an effective way to improve student achievement.

What is required for data-driven instruction?

Several requirements are necessary to achieve good data-driven instruction:

• Baseline data that gives a good sense of where students are at the beginning of the year (these data often come from the prior year's state test because schools are held accountable by such tests);
• Clear goals for what students are expected to learn and to achieve (these goals are usually related to state standards and grade-level expectations);
• Regular assessments across the school year (frequent assessments provide multiple pieces of evidence about student knowledge and skills development, and help to benchmark students' progress across the school year);
• Well-focused and well-planned instruction that is based on evidence and high quality curriculum.

These data show what students know and are able to do and what they still need to learn.