EdInsight Training at Heartland AEA 11

What is EdInsight?
EdInsight is the Iowa Department of Education’s new data warehouse and analysis system. It holds data from Project EASIER, the IMS system (IEP info) and the Iowa Testing Program. There is a package of reports available in the current version:

• Many of the reports related to ITBS/ITED data are similar to reports in HEART. Additional data tools involve drill-through capability and individual student reports (depending on appropriate security levels).
• Curriculum reports analyze current offerings against requirements.
• An equity report compares population statistics against enrollment and other variables by subgroup.
• A report examines suspension/expulsion data for IEP students as required on the State Performance Plan for special education.
• A utility that allows the user to search for comparable buildings and districts based on various factors.

In addition to these reports, there is an ad hoc data analysis tool that allows more flexible query and summary work with ITBS/ITED data. Training for the Analysis Studio will be offered separately at a later date.

An EdInsight project goal for the 2010-2011 school year is to have one person per district trained on the use of the system. To help the DE meet this goal, Heartland AEA will provide several training opportunities around the AEA during the next few months.

Who should participate?
In this initial phase, consider one or two people from the district who are most likely to use the system, evaluate if for district use and lead the district in further use of the system over time.

What is involved?
Training sessions will be three hours. We are in the process of setting the schedule and locations for training opportunities around the Heartland area. There will be multiple, regional opportunities to attend training over the next few months. The list of training opportunities will be published as soon as it is finalized.

Where can I learn more?
Check with your region’s assessment consultant. The assessment consultants have been trained on the system and will be able to answer questions. You may also contact Heartland AEA’s EdInsight contact, Connor Hood, at chood@aea11.k12.ia.us or (515) 270-0405 ext. 14506. Mr. Hood is scheduled to give a brief overview of EdInsight is at the Superintendent HAA meeting on February 1.

You can also learn more about EdInsight at http://www.iowa.gov/educate/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=1691&Itemid=2490