Data Lit

In this final episode of our series on integrating the 4Cs, we turn to the experts—our students. Through their own words, they remind us that learning is social, that authenticity matters, and that engagement is key. Their advice challenges us as educators to always create learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom where collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativi...

In this episode, we explore how the 4Cs—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication—can be nurtured outside the classroom. Featuring clips from students presenting their GIS mapping projects, we highlight moments where they have applied these skills to their research on real-world problems. We also discuss how extracurricular activities and out-of-classroom experiences play a v...

In this episode, we listen to real student voices as they share how their teachers bring the 4Cs—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity—into everyday lessons across different subjects. Join us as we react to their insights, discuss the impact of these skills on student engagement, and explore how fostering the 4Cs can make learning more meaningful and exciting. Tune in to...

WCPSS’ mission is to “provide a relevant and engaging education and will graduate students who are collaborative, creative, effective communicators and critical thinkers.” This episode introduces our exploration of why these 4Cs are so essential to preparing our students to lead productive lives in a complex and changing world. We define each of the 4Cs, discuss potential challenges to measuring t...

In this special episode of Data Lit, we are joined by our very own Dr. Tambryme Hamilton-Simmons (Counseling & Student Services Department) as she shares her research on the effects of social-emotional learning practices on student behavior. One unexpected outcome experienced during her research was the impact of the pandemic on her sample size. Since disruptions can and do play a role when co...

It's time for your favorite annual tradition: Data Lit's Holiday Extravaganza! This year, we're joined by a special guest: Data, Research, and Accountability's own Daniel Bunce. We each give the gift of data by sharing surprising WCPSS facts, then quiz each other on holiday trivia. Play along at home to see if you can beat our hosts! WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on c...

In our latest Data Bytes episode, we sit down with Paula de Lucca, Senior Director of Child Nutrition Services to explore how data fuels her mission to feed thousands of students every day in our district. Discover how her team expertly balances cost control and meal service to operate as a self-supporting enterprise. She also reveals the number one menu item students can't get enough of and share...

In this episode, we spotlight districts and states across the country that are leading the way in data governance and data visualization. From setting standards for data privacy and integrity to creating accessible, visually engaging dashboards, we’ll dive into real examples of how others are making data both secure and actionable. Listeners will hear practical strategies from districts tackling t...

In this episode, we’ll draw inspiration from the excitement around the upcoming World Cup to explore how data literacy looks different depending on the audience. Just as referees, players, and fans all approach the game with distinct perspectives and information needs, so too do teachers, students, and parents when it comes to data in education. We’ll discuss why teachers need deep analysis for in...

Data literacy is like a game of Jenga, as each skill is a brick that can topple the tower if it’s pulled. In this episode, we’ll talk through six foundational concepts that support the development of data literacy as defined by the National Forum on Education Statistics: Data Quality Meta-data Data Privacy Data Ethics Data Governance Data Visualization To make the metaphor a bit more literal, we’l...

In this inaugural episode of Research in Action, we sit down with Kim Corvi as she sheds light on thoughtfully adaptive teaching - an emerging field of study which focuses on the targeted moves teachers make in response to the unique needs of their students. Join as we learn more about Kim’s findings and how she uses the results to support her work with teachers. Research & Resources from the...

Join us as we sit down with Dr. Robert P. Taylor, Wake County’s new visionary superintendent who possesses a passion for transforming education through data. In this exclusive episode, Dr. Taylor shares his unique perspective on data literacy, reveals the key metrics that drive his decision-making process, and explains why he’s a staunch advocate for teachers engaging more deeply  with educational...

Data Lit is back for our fifth season! Tune in to hear what’s coming your way from WCPSS' Data, Research, and Accountability department.  Research & Resources from the episode: Educational Leadership’s July 2024 Issue: From Absent to Engaged Quantitative & Qualitative Data: Why they matter in the classroom WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series....

From the role of AI in education to bus routing to the history of standardized testing, the 14 episodes in Season Four covered a wide variety of topics in the world of assessment and data literacy. Join the team as we share some of our highlights from the past year, as well as touch on what we would like to explore in the upcoming fifth season.  WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and ref...

In this episode, we explore the fascinating evolution of standardized testing in the United States. From its humble beginnings in the 1800s to its central role in modern education, we delve into the origins and impacts of these assessments to discover how standardized tests have shaped educational policies and influenced students’ lives. Research & Resources from the episode:   NEA - History o...

Data literacy means many things to many people, so in an attempt to unpack this topic, we asked a room full of educators from across the Carolinas at NCTIES how they define this term and how they hope to enhance their data literacy.  Research & Resources from the episode:   WCPSS Student Survey Quantitative & Qualitative Data episode Street Data Series WCPSS staff can earn credit for liste...

When you see that familiar yellow bus on the road, do you ever wonder about the data it takes to get students to and from school? In this episode of Data Bytes, our guest Bonnie Sluder from the WCPSS Transportation Departments shares what data she and her staff have to consider when managing the bus routing system in a district of our size. The fun facts she shares will make for great conversation...

At the core of the Street Data framework is hearing from our students, especially those whose voices are seldom represented. Join us as we discuss what it means to embrace a Pedagogy of Voice in our classrooms by sharing the six rules that can help us shift from a mind set where students are just passive participants to one where students are actively owning their learning. Research & Resource...

In this episode of Data Lit, we invite Wake County’s Sarah Stephens, Senior Administrator to the Northern Area Superintendent, to help us deepen our conversation around the book Street Data. Because of her proximity to the work of schools, Sarah shares with listeners ways in which educators can apply strategies in their classrooms to get to the core of how our students are experiencing instruction...

Join Data Lit as we sit down with Paul Cancellieri, a science teacher at Rolesville Middle School, to discover how AI has impacted his instruction and assessment. In this episode, Paul shares his experience with AI and then his three favorite prompts to engage his students.  Research & Resources for the episode: New Canvas Course for WCPSS: "Integrating ChatGPT Professionally" and NC...

Have you heard about Street Data? Prior to a year and a half ago, neither had we. However, as our district was engaging in conversations around our post-pandemic “new normal”, we came across a book by Shane Safir and Dr. Jamila Dugan called “Street Data” that called to us because of its promises of addressing data considerations with equity in mind. In this episode of Data Lit, our listeners will...

This school-year, the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction has adopted the North Carolina Personalized Assessment Tool, or NCPAT. In this episode of Data Lit, Maxey Moore, the Section Chief in NCDPI’s Office of Accountability and Testing helps us to unpack what educators and students can expect as we transition to this new assessment system. Resources for the NCPAT: NCDPI’s NCPAT Websit...

We're ringing in the new year with a holiday-themed episode of Data Lit! We give out a gift of data and then quiz each other on surprising statistics. Play along at home to see if you can beat our hosts (note: that's a fairly low bar). Research & Resources from the episode: EdSurge - How AI Could Bring Big Changes to Education Scientific American - 9 Bizarre and Surprising Insights fro...

In our latest Data Bytes podcast episode, Senior Director Cindy DeFoor shares how she and her team in the Grants Office use their grant development and management skills to bring funding opportunities to our district, as well as what data is considered in their day-to-day operations. Tune in to learn more about the inner workings of this fascinating department. Resources are provided for both dist...

Talk of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has suddenly become ubiquitous in educational circles. Sometimes these conversations position AI as a help for education and sometimes as a hindrance; so just what is this seemingly new technology and how will it impact educators? To learn more, we’re joined by Allison Reid, the Senior Director for Digital Learning and Libraries, to explore how AI can be used (...