My first blog post.
Actually, it’s kind of my first blog post. I’ve been pseudo-blogging about data use on a Facebook site (www.facebook.com/datause) for a couple of years. You can cruise over there if you want to see some of the things we’ve discussed – there is a lot of good discussion and it’s well worth reading. But a blog provides a different outlet and a different experience than does Facebook. So I thought it was time I also started to say what I have to say here.
This blog will be about the effective use of data in K-12 settings. I’ve been researching this topic for the last 11 years, first at Johns Hopkins University, then at the University of Texas at Austin, and now in my current position as an education consultant. I’ll write about various aspects of data use, from teachers to superintendents, from classroom practice to organizational structures, from computer data systems to collaboration to professional learning.
I take a broad view of data. To me, “data” is any piece of information that helps educators know more about their students. Many people equate data to test scores, but not me. Standardized tests are but one piece to the puzzle. There are many more pieces: locally-made quizzes, formal benchmark exams, free lunch status, grades, teacher observation, discipline referrals, individual learning plans, parental information, just to name a few. If it helps educators know more about students, it’s data.
My main interest lies in helping teachers know more about their students – and to do it in a way that actually helps them do what they do. I am against data use that makes life hard for teachers. That interest is why I’ve researched so many aspects of data use. Teachers don’t operate in a vacuum. They are affected by (and also affect) many areas like principal leadership, systemic (i.e., district) supports, peer collaboration, the quality of their data-related professional learning, and so many other things. I learned pretty early on that if we were going to help teachers, we were going to have to examine the entire system.
So that’s what I’m about. I’m looking forward to writing more in this space, along with my Facebook and Twitter (@WaymanDataUse) comments. I’d love to hear what you have to say also, so feel free to comment (comments are currently moderated so we don’t have to wade through 45 million Viagra posts). Thanks for reading!