Leading Schools in a Leading Schools in a Data-Rich WorldData-Rich World

Developing an Inquiry Habit Developing an Inquiry Habit of Mindof Mind

Data almost never provides answers. Instead, using data usually leads to more and more focused investigation and to better questions.

Becoming Data LiterateBecoming Data Literate

Data and statistics may provide the tools for measuring educational concepts, but the numbers, words or pictures are only as good as the thinking and interpretation.

Create a Culture of Inquiry in Create a Culture of Inquiry in the School Communitythe School Community

School leaders have little chance of using data effectively unless the school as a whole is also committed to being a community, routinely challenging existing beliefs and practices as well as routinely using data to make sense of the classroom and school environment.

It’s about constructing meaning together.

Data Knowledge Data Knowledge ActionAction

Data become the window for identifying “what next.”

In the hands of effective leaders, data is transformed into knowledge leading to action.

Victoria BernhardtVictoria Bernhardt

Facts….Just the FactsFacts….Just the FactsWho are we? Determining

Strengths and Challenges◦Determine strengths and challenges

for each of the indicator categories◦The points on the sheet must be factual (i.e., directly taken from the data)

Education for the Future Summer Institute 2009

Personalize the DataPersonalize the DataTurn this:

Into…

Personalize the DataPersonalize the DataIndividual Students

School Improvement School Improvement ActivityActivity

Why this process?Why this process?Turn this…

Into…

School Improvement School Improvement ActivityActivityGround Rules Suggestions PLT leader is to moderate the group Be respectful when communicating difficult messages Everyone’s voice is to be heard Be open minded and watch for your biases Be actively engaged – we are here to help kids be successful

Data Analysis ActivityData Analysis ActivityIndicator Categories

Education for the Future Summer Institute 2009

Demographics: the context of a school

Achievement: student performance on different measures

Perceptions: staff, student and/or community opinions that demonstrate environmental improvements.

Process: descriptions of programs and processes

Brainstorming!!Brainstorming!!Part 1b: Who are we?

Determining Strengths and Challenges◦Brainstorm all possible hypotheses

about why the most challenging points exist on numbered sticky notes or in a numbered list.

◦These are not questions, but your reasons why we have these challenges.

Education for the Future Summer Institute 2009

Data Analysis ActivityData Analysis ActivityPart 2: Questions and Data

◦What questions do you need to answer to know more about the probable root cause?

◦What data do you need to gather to answer each of these questions?

Education for the Future Summer Institute 2009

School Improvement School Improvement ActivityActivityConclusion This process will take time! Involve as many people as you can – buy-in and accountability is critical especially when trying to access “hard to find” evidence No shame – no blame – it’s all about the conversations Use Skopus to validate your intuition – your gut alone, is not enoughPersonalize your data – turn graphs into names and faces

Personalize the DataPersonalize the DataTurn this:

Into…