ABSTRACT
Alignment is linking what is tested with what is taught. However, alignment at this basic level does not do anything to improve teaching or learning; it merely assures you are measuring the same things that were taught. The layer of alignment must be deep pedagogical alignment the degree to which instructional methods outlined in lesson plans and then carried out in the classroom ensures that students will learn and retain information. The worksheet following the graphic is a tool you can use to evaluate the utility of the data source in your decision making process. The authors' have found this worksheet provides a way to realistically evaluate the types of data you are using in your formative Data-Based Decision Making (DBDM) process in a rational way that promotes the safe psychological and innovative climate we advocate for in the process.
