Assisting K-12 leaders in enhancing their use of data with greater confidence.

Autumn is a season that is familiar to everyone. Whether you live in the Pacific Northwest surrounded by redwoods or in the sunny southern states, the cooler air, shorter days, and yellow school buses are all part of our shared experience of fall. Students are back in the swing of things, and teachers and school leaders have settled into their routines for the year.

With this routine comes certain fall rituals, such as administering the first interim assessment and collecting additional baseline formative and summative assessment data to start the year as informed as possible. Fall is an ideal time to assess data skills and confidence.

Data is a crucial aspect of a school’s culture. At the leadership level, data can be used to identify trends, validate hypotheses, monitor progress, and assess the effectiveness of programs and initiatives. In the classroom, teachers should use a variety of data to plan upcoming units, as well as weekly and daily instruction. Like leaders, teachers should use data to reflect on best practices for differentiation and to validate support and confirm learning. The most important stakeholders, the students, should be informed of how data is being used to enhance their learning experience and collaborate with teachers to develop age-appropriate and instructionally relevant data-based goals.

While you may agree with these points, for some school leaders, putting them into practice is easier said than done. Just as algebra can pose a challenge for even the most skilled math student, data can be a hurdle for even the most experienced leader. For many, it can feel overwhelming, and the big picture often gets lost in the details.

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So how can school leaders overcome data hurdles and change their approach to data? Start by researching and selecting an interim assessment that aligns with your professional beliefs, goals in your comprehensive education plan, and your school’s data culture. Choosing the right assessment is similar to selecting an exercise that suits your lifestyle and fitness goals.

Next, expand your understanding of the assessments being used. Many school leaders feel pressured to have all the answers when it comes to data, but with time constraints, this can seem like an impossible task. Commit to learning as much as you can about the assessments at your school, grade level, and department level. Become familiar with key terms, metrics, and how they can inform instruction and track growth.

Don’t hesitate to empower teacher leaders who excel in data analysis. Surrounding yourself with a strong data team enhances the school’s data culture and promotes data collaboration. Learn from those who are fluent in data language and use their expertise to uncover blind spots, identify instructional gaps, and maximize the potential of your data.

Confidence in data comes from a solid understanding, if not fluency, in data analysis. Being able to articulate how data informs instruction and lead conversations where data implementation is key is essential. With focus and commitment, what may seem like a challenge now can become manageable before the last autumn leaf falls.