On-Demand Learning
The Minnesota Data and Assessment Literacy (MnDAL) Course is aimed at supporting educators and leaders to use assessment and data to transform teaching and learning. Individuals can work through the content on their own in Canvas or utilize the downloadable reflection questions, facilitation guides, and activities with a group of teachers for professional learning.
The course is differentiated through two paths: one for teachers and one for building/district leaders. It is encouraged to start with Strand 1, but you may review the topics below and start where you would like. Continuing Education Units (CEUs) for teachers and clock hour certificates for administrators are awarded through Canvas upon completion of each strand.
To access the course, click on the links below, which will bring you to the MDE Canvas page. Next, select the "Join this Course" radio button. If you do not have an MDE Canvas account, select the “I am a new user” radio button, and you will be prompted to enter your email, first and last name, and agree to the Acceptable use policy. Lastly, select “Go to the Course” to access the module content. Note: You will receive an email asking you to finish setting up your account, by creating your password for future logins.
Teacher Online Learning Modules
Strand 1: System Thinking for Teachers
- Module 1: The Role of Assessment in a Balanced, Comprehensive and Equitable Learning System*
- Module 2: Balanced, Comprehensive and Equitable Assessment Systems*
- Module 3: The Role of State Summative Assessments in a Balanced, Comprehensive and Equitable Assessment System*
- Module 4: Balanced Classroom Assessment Systems
Strand 2: Assessment Literacy for Teachers
- Module 5: Eliciting Quality Evidence of Student Learning*
- Module 6: Interpreting and Responding to Evidence of Student Learning
- Module 7: Designing and Evaluating Classroom Summative Assessments
- Module 8: Expanding Student Agency in Formal Classroom Assessment
- Module 9: Using Minnesota State Summative Assessment Data for Instructional Decision Making
Strand 3: Formative Assessment for Teachers
- Module 10: Getting Started with Formative Assessment*
- Module 11: Eliciting Evidence During Learning
- Module 12: Interpreting and Using Evidence During Learning
- Module 13: Students' Use of Evidence: Making Learning Visible
- Module 14: Lesson Planning*
- Module 15: Strengthening the Student's Role in Learning
Strand 4: Data Use for Improvement and Equity
(Coming soon by end of April 2023)
- Data Use for Instructional Improvement and Equity*
- Data Use with an Equity Mindset
Module titles indicated with a (*) represent content offered in both the educator and leader sequences, but with role-specific reflection and application activities.
Leader Online Learning Modules
Each strand includes slides, videos, community of practice activities, and tools to be used for application in leadership contexts.
Strand 1: Systems Thinking
- Module 1: Introduction to Data and Assessment Literacy*
- Module 2: Balanced, Comprehensive and Equitable Assessment Systems*
- Module 3: The Role of Statewide Assessments in a Balanced, Comprehensive and Equitable Assessment System*
- Module 4: Leading a Balanced, Comprehensive and Equitable Local System of Assessment
Strand 2: Assessment Literacy
- Module 5: Eliciting Quality Evidence of Student Learning*
- Module 6: Evaluating Interim and Benchmark Assessments
- Module 7: Making Sense of Minnesota State Summative Data for System Improvement
- Module 8: Communicating about Learning Outcomes: Equitable Grading Policies
Strand 3: Leading Formative Assessment
(Available soon)
- Getting Started with Formative Assessment*
- Instructional Leadership to Support Formative Assessment
- Classroom Observation and Feedback to Support Evidence-Use
- Lesson Planning in Formative Assessment*
- The Leaders' Role in Supporting a Learning Culture, Student Identity and Agency
Strand 4: Data Use for Improvement and Equity
(Coming soon in May 2023)
- Data Use for Improvement and Equity*
- Data Use with an Equity Mindset for Leaders: Building a Culture
- Using Data to Drive Improvement
- Communicating about Data
Module titles indicated with a (*) represent content offered in both the educator and leader sequences, but with role-specific reflection and application activities.
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Related Resources
Contact Us
- Minnesota Department of Education
- 400 NE Stinson Blvd.
- Minneapolis, MN 55413
- 651 582 8563