Data Wise: Using Collaborative Data Inquiry to Build Equitable Schools

Learn a step-by-step process for using a wide range of data sources to improve instruction and student outcomes while building equitable schools.

Overview

How can we create the conditions for educators to collaborate more effectively so that each student thrives? What are practical tools that can be used to build equitable schools?

The Data Wise Improvement Process is an eight-step model that guides teams of educators to work collaboratively to improve teaching and learning through evidence-based analysis. This leadership institute will help you develop the habits of mind needed to use collaborative data inquiry to build more equitable schools.  We use the step-by-step Data Wise Improvement Process as our lead framework, and explore the equity questions that are essential to address at each step.

This program will prepare you to plan a thoughtful launch of this inquiry process in your own setting.

Program Details

Over five days, your school team will work with the Data Wise teaching team and peers from diverse settings who are committed to learning how to lead collaborative inquiry.

This program will prepare you to lead collaborative analysis of a wide range of data sources, including periodic formative assessments, daily student work, observation of classroom practice, and standardized tests. In a hands-on, interactive format, you will learn and use tools to present, discuss, and act on data.

We strongly recommend that teams also enroll in the Data Wise in Action Program, in which teams will receive eight months of continued support from a dedicated Data Wise coach as you implement the inquiry process in your own school or system.

The program kickoff webinar session will be via Zoom on Tuesday, May 16, 2023 from 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. ET.

Pre-Program Work:

Please note there is pre-work that is required of you to complete prior to the program start date. Please see below for additional details.

• Complete the Introduction to Data Wise Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). This free course is offered by edX.org. It is self-paced and should take about 8 hours to complete. On the first day of class please bring a printout of your “Stoplight Dashboard” or be able to call it up easily on your computer.
  • Note that it is fine if you just audit this course and do all the activities; no need to pay for a verified certificate.
• Complete assigned readings from both:
  • Data Wise, Revised and Expanded Edition by Kathryn Parker Boudett, Elizabeth A. City and Richard J. Murnane.
    • Read Chapters 1, 2, and 3
    • Optional: Read the full text.
  • Meeting Wise: Making the Most of Collaborative Time for Educators by Kathryn Parker Boudett and Elizabeth A. City.
    • Read Chapters 1, 5, & 6
    • Optional: read the full text
• Note that each Data Wise participant is responsible for their own copies of the two texts. The texts can be purchased or borrowed from colleagues. Please be sure you have the most current version that is linked above.

Objectives

• Articulate how and why equity is central to the work of school improvement
• Build skills to take an equity lens at each step of the Data Wise Improvement Process
• Demonstrate a relentless focus on evidence when collaboratively analyzing a wide range of data sources, including annual standardized tests, periodic formative assessments, daily classwork, and observations of classroom practice
• Engage in intentional collaboration by using a Meeting Wise “rolling agenda” and practicing wise meeting facilitation and participation
• Cultivate a shared commitment to action, assessment, and adjustment as you develop a plan to launch collaborative data inquiry in a real-world context.

Who Should Attend

• School teams of three or more people comprised of the school principal, at least one teacher, and one or more other educators in leadership roles. Preference will be given to teams that include at least one curriculum and instruction specialist, such as a curriculum coordinator, literacy coach, or mathematics coach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to have fewer than 3 on our team?
No, we purposefully require teams of 3 or more participants as this allows for the most productive and effective learning experience. Each team member plays a vital role in the Data Wise process and various perspectives from within the school (principal, teacher, literacy coach, etc.) are needed to work collaboratively with the data resources.

Is it possible to have a team of more than 6 people?
We recommend teams of 3-6 people as this provides the most optimal learning experience for you and your team. If you have more than 6 members of your team, we recommend breaking into two smaller teams. If you have any questions regarding this, please reach out to us at ppe@gse.harvard.edu.

Is it possible to have a team with just several school leaders/principals?
No, school teams needs to be comprised of the school principal, at least one teacher, and one or more other educators in leadership roles. Each role lends a different perspective to the Data Wise process and this is needed to ensure a commitment to action at all of the school levels.

Is it possible to have a team with just several school teachers?
No, school teams needs to be comprised of the school principal, at least one teacher, and one or more other educators in leadership roles. Each role lends a different perspective to the Data Wise process and this is needed to ensure a commitment to action at all of the school levels.

Is it possible to have a team without the building principal?
If your school principal has participated in one of the Data Wise Leadership Institutes in recent times, then an assistant principal may participate instead of the principal. 

Is it possible to include our district leaders on a school team?
We do offer the Data Wise Leadership Institute to district level teams. District teams and schools teams will use different sets of data in the Data Wise Process and therefore we do not recommend that district leaders attend the program with school teams.

Can we miss part of a day of the program?
It is important that you attend every day of the program as each day builds upon the eight-step model that will guide you and your team to work collaboratively to improve teaching and learning through evidence-based analysis. If there are any extenuating circumstances that prevent you or one of your team members to miss part of the course, please inform us as soon as possible.