The magic of data: but how do we get there?

Nurturing the human piece. Therein lies the magical rub.

The following are some lines to reflect on from: Experts: Here’s how to turn data into achievement by Dennis Pierce

“Data is about infusing classrooms with information that changes the trajectory of learning,”

“…struggled to get teachers on board with using data to inform instruction. “How can we overcome this fear?”

Changing the culture of a school system requires “a nurturance of teacher leadership,” Edwards said. He added: “If you can lift, you can push—but you have to lift first.”

…such fears are a natural reaction to the use of student data “as a political device to hold people accountable” for doing their jobs.

“We need to change the conversation from data as a hammer to data as a flashlight,” or a tool that can be used “to shine a light on what’s working” in schools.

Data in itself is just…data. It’s how it is used and trusted that can make it magical.

Finding data is pretty easy. Collating it as well. But once we get it, how do we make sure it used to make things better for our students and teachers?

The how brings us back to our core – the human element.

Why do we care about the data we collect about our schools, our teachers, and our learners?

(by the way – I love this line from the article –> If you can lift, you can push. But you have to lift first.)