Verify Problem's Existence
Using Data
The use of data can be a good tool in the problem identification stage. First, data can verify if the problem truly exists. Data can also help define the severity of the problem. By using the data, the problem solver may also see how pervasive the problem is in the classroom environment. For example, a student may look like they are struggling with sound recognition from observations gathered during group work, but when reviewing the screening data from the entire class, the teacher finds that a majority of the class is struggling in the same area. The use of data can give an accurate picture of the student’s present level of performance in clear and measurable terms.
