#kinderblog14 Challenge, week 2: Letters to the Editor

This week's challenge has been, well, challenging!  I had a hard time even coming up with a topic to write about, partially because I tend to keep it to myself if I disagree with something.  So, this was a good challenge to nudge me out of my comfort zone.

I have seen several pins on Pinterest lately about data walls and how motivating they are for students.  When students see their peers progressing, they also want to progress, at least, that's what the OPs (original posters) say.  

I'm sorry, but I have a real problem with data walls.

First of all, let's be clear that posting names with test scores is illegal (thanks to FERPA).   Data from assessments are private student records that are only for the teacher, student, and parent to know.  No student should have any access to another student's records.

Additionally, as teachers, we know that every child is different and learns at a different pace, in a different way, at a different time.  Knowing this, why would you post a sticker/post-it note, etc. that shows exactly where each child is on the continuum of learning for a particular standard?  That does not create a safe learning environment for that child; it creates an environment in which the student feels shame and humiliation.   You may argue that no names are posted; students are represented by a certain color, number, or symbol, but it wouldn't be hard to figure out which one belonged to whom.  Even in elementary school, when my teachers assigned our classes numbers, we were all quick to figure out who was number 1, 2, etc.  Even if there was some foolproof method to ensure that no one was able to figure it all out, students would still be constantly comparing to see where they measure up.  Students who are in the low performing range experience humiliation and a downward plunge in self-esteem when they see their scores publicly compared to their peers.  

I don't know about you, but I'm devoted to fostering a positive community in my classroom where students feel safe to learn and fail.  Failure and making mistakes is part of the learning process- let's let students feel free to do that in our classrooms!  

Thankfully, data walls are not a huge focus at my school.  Does your administration require data walls at your school?  How do you handle that?