At EdCamp, districts collaborate, learn finer points of Renaissance Learning’s eduCLIMBER

Register now for next collaborative session on Aug. 13 for this vital data dashboard tool!

    July is time for summer camp, but for school district users of the eduCLIMBER data dashboard, it’s time for EdCamp.

Three dozen administrators, coaches, data specialists and interventionists gathered at the LHRIC’s Harrison campus on July 23 to learn about eduCLIMBER’s powerful tools for aggregating, displaying and interpreting student data. 

“DIstricts come together and can chat with those from other districts,” said LHRIC Customer Service Coordinator Caroline Calabrese said of the EdCamp format. “We can bring lots of districts together, and we learn from each other. It’s a collaborative environment.”

The event’s summer camp theme added a fun note to serious business—making the most informed, data-based decisions on behalf of students. A second session will take place on Aug. 13. Register in MyLearningPlan.

Kellie Kilde, an MTSS advisor on Renaissance Learning’s eduClimber team, called the data dashboard an invaluable, time-saving tool for educators. MTSS, or Multi-Tiered System of Supports, is a framework for identifying and supporting students who are struggling with academics, behavior, or social-emotional well-being. eduCLIMBER allows districts to bring in student data from various sources and to collaborate more effectively.

“It’s talking about it,” Ms. Kilde said of that collaboration. “It’s not just letting that data live in a spreadsheet and not using it ever.”

Data-informed decision making allows districts to leverage resources to strengthen instruction and promote early intervention, she added. 

Ms. Kilde reviewed eduCLIMBER’s tools for visualizing and analyzing data to make accurate conclusions. The data can highlight subtle differences and allow varying approaches for students who might otherwise appear similar, she explained.

Immediate access to assessment and other data is essential, said Luke Johnson, a network administrator in the Greenburgh Schools, where eduCLIMBER is currently being implemented.

Ryan Lawler, Principal at Marlboro High School, said his district is new to eduCLIMBER and is learning to assemble data and package it in useful ways.

“I think it’s an important step for us to put together the information that we have in a meaningful way to help us to do a better job of working with our kids,” Mr. Lawler said.

Dr. Linda Hatfield, Director of Teaching & Learning in Clarkstown, said the EdCamp was helpful in bringing together districts with experience with the tool to share what they’ve learned with new adopters. Clarkstown was new to eduCLIMBER a year ago.

“You can be much more specific in the identification of the students and what their needs are so you can target the interventions,” Dr. Hatfield said. “The whole idea is that you want to get them in and out of intervention and back to grade level as soon as possible.”

Learn about all the opportunities for learning and collaboration offered by the LHRIC Instructional Technology team, this summer and beyond, at https://it.lhric.org. If you missed this session, don’t worry! We have another one coming up. Join us on August 13th, 2025. Looking forward to seeing you there!