Know Your Students and Staff Before Day One
Published: August 2025 Newsletter
Contributed by Linda Kraft, Director of Customer Strategy and Enablement
When I was in the classroom, the start of the year felt like directing a theater production without knowing the cast. I knew some superstars, had a mere impression of others, heard stories about a few (you know the ones), and the rest were total mysteries.
I’d spend a few days channeling my inner detective digging through student files like I was solving a cold case. I’d collect attendance records, behavior notes, test scores, report cards, IEPs, teacher comments and patch it all together into a spreadsheet masterpiece. Why? Because I wanted to truly understand my students, plan with purpose, and meet them where they were at — on Day 1 not Day 37.
If I’d had all the data in one magical, digital place like Munetrix + SchoolData — easy to access, analyze, and actually use? That would’ve been a game changer! With this knowledge, teachers can plan instruction, seating, and scaffolds that meet students where they are — not where we assume they are. It is the same for building and district administrators - especially if they are new to their roles or the organization.
Data as a Lens, Not a Label
Student and staff data from previous years offer a rich, untapped resource to help educators start strong. Test scores, attendance trends, course history, behavior records, intervention logs, and even survey results provide a fuller picture of the people in your building. But data isn’t just about numbers — it’s a lens into experiences, not a label. Used thoughtfully, data helps educators prepare, personalize, and connect before the first bell rings.
Know Your Students Before They Walk in the Door
Instead of relying solely on getting-to-know-you activities in the first few weeks, educators can review previous years’ data to identify key insights:
- Who needs early academic interventions or acceleration?
- Which students showed gains last year, and what supports made the difference?
- Who struggled with attendance, transitions, or behavior patterns?
- What language services, IEP goals, or learning accommodations are already in place?
With this knowledge, teachers can plan instruction, seating, and scaffolds that meet students where they are — not where we assume they are.
SchoolData applications such as the Early Warning Module, Homeroom, and Student Plans offer an opportunity for deep insights into student performance, past and present needs, and prior intervention results.
Support Your Staff With the Same Intentionality
The same principle applies to your staff. Who’s returning, and who’s new? What professional learning have they completed? What evaluation feedback or growth goals were set last year? Analyzing staff data helps school leaders provide the right coaching, resources, and collaboration opportunities from day one.
For example:
- Pairing a new teacher with a mentor who has a proven track record in similar content areas.
- Scheduling PD sessions that align with staff’s identified goals.
- Recognizing staff who made notable gains in student outcomes or instructional practice last year.
SchoolData’s Homeroom application provide insights into student performance by building, grade level, teacher, classroom, and various demographic or program groups. The Pro-Dev and Evaluations applications help districts manage valuable professional learning opportunities, as well as streamline feedback and support for staff. Combining these applications with Homeroom ensures that your district leaders are already on the case and prepped for success when the school year begins.
