Data Lit

It’s a wrap on an incredible sixth season of Data Lit! In this final episode, we each revisit clips from powerful conversations and share key insights that resonate with us, as well as cast three big wishes for the future of data and assessment literacy. From reimagining the role of accountability to fostering deeper partnerships in data analysis, we explore our boldest visions for the road ahead....

What can we learn about assessments when we zoom out across states? In this episode of Data Lit, we spotlight four different systems: California, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Hawaii, to break down what’s tested, how it’s structured, and what makes each approach stand out. From testing formats to the nuances that make each state unique, we keep it real, practical, and easy to follow. Additionally...

In our last episode, we explored why perception data is the "missing link" in school improvement. Today, we move from theory to the front lines of leadership, as we are joined by Juley Sexton, principal of A.B. Combs Magnet Elementary.  As a leader who doesn't just collect data, but intentionally builds her school’s growth around it, Principal. Sexton shares her honest perspective on...

While test scores and attendance rates tell us what is happening in our buildings, they rarely tell us why . In this episode of Data Lit, we explore how to unlock the "human side" of school data by effectively gathering and using perception data. Join us as we break down the essential framework for moving beyond "just another survey" to creating a culture of authentic feedback....

What policies and practices would make our elementary school libraries more effective? That’s the question that led Elc Estrera from Data, Research, and Accountability to begin collaborating with Kendra Allen and Susan Bock from Library Media Services. It resulted in some informative and intriguing research , which we review in this episode. Tune in to learn about our libraries and pick up some st...

Is a student's understanding of civics best measured by a multiple-choice exam? In this episode of Data Lit , we examine this question by unpacking how we assess civic learning in educational spaces. Using a “Head, Heart, and Hands" framework for defining civics, we discuss how educators can use performance tasks, capstone projects, and rubrics to measure “unmeasurable" skills like c...

Why do identical assignments sometimes receive completely different grades? In this episode of Data Lit , we tackle the inequitable practice of mixing academic data with student compliance by drawing from the latest research in Culturally Responsive Assessment . From unconscious bias to unreliable scales, we explore how individual variation in teacher practices can skew student outcomes.  We also...

Have you heard about the BIMAS and wondered why it matters for our schools? In this episode of Data Lit, we sit down with our district’s BIMAS Coordinator, Mary Whitehouse to understand the "why" and "how" behind the implementation, and then pivot to Gina Montague, Guidance Counselor at Bowling Road Elementary to see how that data translates into real-time support for students....

How does a district leader filter through countless data points to find what actually matters? In this episode of Data Lit , we’re joined by Area Superintendent Chris McCabe to discuss the intersection of leadership and data literacy. Mr. McCabe shares his personal journey in education and pulls back the curtain on how he identifies the most crucial data for school improvement. We also dive into a...

We’re sharing the gift of knowledge with our third annual Holiday Extravaganza! There's a twist to this year's festivities, as we compete against our sister-podcast Work Smarter Not Harder in a holiday data trivia contest hosted by our colleague Daniel Bunce. Play along as you listen to test your seasonal traditions knowledge against the participants from Data, Research, and Accountability...

Accountability reports are meant to drive school improvement, but too often they result in little more than anxiety and resentment. In this episode, we interview Lauren Curtis, Director of Progress Monitoring and Tiered Support, about how we can better support schools when it comes to this type of data. We discuss how vulnerability, shared responsibility, and incremental changes can help us bridge...

Our accountability systems are meant to drive school improvement, but too often they leave educators feeling anxious and overwhelmed. This episode reviews five practical principles to marry high-level accountability data with local data and processes to spur real change.  Research & resources from the episode: Center for Assessment: Strengthening Ties Between Accountability and School Improvem...

We’re kicking off a new mini-series by going back to where it all began: Our discussion on the Purpose of Assessments. Join us as we explore how understanding why we measure can help us rethink how we improve. Research & resources from the episode: Center for Assessment - Strengthening Ties Between Accountability and School Improvement    Edutopia - Assessment: Time to Put it in Context ASCD -...

In this concluding chapter of our series based on Culturally Responsive Assessments, we move from theory to sustainable practice. First, we shine a light on the core challenges preventing change, such as limited instructional materials, the struggle to maintain rigor while adapting culturally, and unconscious bias in teacher perceptions. Then, we give listeners some practical solutions straight fr...

Ready to put culturally responsive assessment into practice? Then join us for part two of our series on the new book, Culturally Responsive Assessment in the Classroom and Large-Scale Assessments . In this episode, we break down the editors’ six-stage cycle of teaching, learning, and assessment. From self-reflection to lesson evaluation, we walk through each phase to share what the research says a...

What if how we learn is filtered through our culture?  In this episode, we kick off a new series inspired by the book Culturally Responsive Assessment in Classrooms and Large-Scale Contexts . We explore why it's crucial to think about the role of culture in assessment design and take a look back at the origins of culturally relevant pedagogy, given the interdependence between curriculum, pedag...

Ever wonder what goes into building a school from the ground up? In this episode, we're talking with Principal Katie Caggia about her experience opening a brand new school this year! She's sharing her secrets on how to use data to build school culture, the key information she gathered before the first bell rang, and the challenges of starting with a blank slate. Join us for an enlightening...

We wanted to share the trailer for the Work Smarter Not Harder podcast, which is hosted by our colleagues in DRA's Program Accountability team. You can access their feed on Spotify , Apple , and wherever else you get your podcasts.

Ever wondered how someone ends up leading a district’s data, research, and accountability work? In this episode, we chat with the Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Brad McMillen, about his path into the role, the biggest shifts he’s seen in how schools use data, and his advice for educators who want to make data work for them, not against them. WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecti...

We’re back for Season Six! After five seasons of deep dives into assessment and data literacy, we’re taking a moment to look back at the journey. Join us as we share the most impactful lessons we have learned - from insightful conversations with educational experts and district staff and students to uncovering research and best practices that can truly inform our work. This is more than a look bac...

In our season finale of Data Lit , we take a look back at some of the standout moments by highlighting key topics such as data literacy guidance, 4Cs strategies from students' perspectives, and the global landscape of standardized testing. You’ll enjoy clips from our favorite episodes, featuring insights from influential guest speakers, including the district superintendent and school-based te...

Research shows that the way assessments are administered plays a crucial role in ensuring their validity and reliability. In this episode, we sit down with three district Testing Coordinators—Lorrie Sardiello from Northwoods ES, Susan Cherry from Oberlin MS, and Joshua Gurkin from Apex HS—to unpack their role in the assessment cycle. We explore how they support test administration, empower both st...

In this episode of Data Lit, we dive into the world of standardized testing, exploring how four countries—South Africa, Finland, Australia, and Singapore—develop and implement their assessments. We unpack the historical context, the educational philosophies behind their approaches, and the role that assessments play in shaping each system. Join us as we compare international perspectives and refle...

Spring is here - a season of flowers, bunnies, and big decisions for high school seniors as they declare their college plans. In this episode of Data Lit , we sit down with Tim Carroll, Director of Special Projects for WCPSS’ Data, Research, and Accountability department, to explore how enrollment and degree-completion data from the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) can reveal important trends...

Performance assessments can be a productive way for students to show their growth in the 4Cs (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication). To dig deeper into this assessment method, we’re re-airing our discussion on performance assessments from November of 2020. Before and after that segment, we connect these ideas to what students told us throughout our 4Cs series.  Research...