What can educators analyze to inform their instructional practices?

Analyzing standardized assessments provides educators with valuable insights into student performance and understanding. These assessments are designed to evaluate specific learning objectives and competencies, allowing teachers to identify trends in student achievement across different populations. The data derived from standardized tests can help educators pinpoint areas where students struggle, enabling them to tailor their instructional strategies accordingly. Consequently, this leads to informed decision-making that enhances teaching effectiveness and ultimately supports student learning outcomes.

In contrast, looking at students' guesses on exams may not provide reliable information about their actual understanding of the material, as guesses do not reflect knowledge or skill. Teachers' personal opinions can be subjective and may not be based on concrete evidence or data, potentially leading to biased conclusions. Evaluating outdated curriculum maps fails to give actionable insights because they may not align with current standards and teaching practices, making them less relevant for informing instructional choices.