A new look at data-driven decision-making

February 18, 2007 1:50 PM

Sessions on data-driven decision-making have become a staple in many education conferences, in large part because they have won so many converts among educators. As many now know, well-designed data collection systems allow educators to tailor teaching to individual student needs, uncover education inequities that might otherwise go unnoticed, and identify systemic problems that require attention. A breakout session at the Learning First Alliance Summit will examine these issues from new perspectives.

The session will showcase an important national initiative to improve data collection systems at the state level. It will also feature an innovative project to engage parents and other community stakeholders in data-driven decision-making at the district and school levels.

The Data Quality Campaign works to “improve the collection, availability, and use of high-quality education data, and implement state longitudinal data systems to improve student achievement.” The Campaign brings together separate but similar campaigns for educational data systems to coordinate efforts to reach their common goals of improved data collection systems. Campaign director Aimee Guidera will help session participants examine the strengths and limitations of current data systems while considering strategies for improving systems in their own states. (You can read more about Data Quality Campaign here).

Also joining us will be Andy Hegedus, Executive Director of Organizational Development for Christina School District, Delaware’s largest public school system. He will discuss the success of the Standard Bearer Schools, which involve parents and other members of the community data-based decision making. Session participants will learn about empowering educators through effective use of data, and employing data to strengthen partnerships between schools and communities. (A report on Standard Bearer Schools and the Christina School District is available here).