Skip to main content

Growing Data Champions

In my work with schools, I’m always on the look out for a school’s data champions: the early adopters of a culture where data is valued and is used to improve schools and student outcomes. Data champions help colleagues understand how to find, interpret, and use data effectively. They are also translators, able to turn complex findings into clear and actionable insights. 

Image by Mohamed Hassan form PxHere - CC0 Public Domain

We often go looking for data champions in the IT office, or failing that, in the math department, but the truth is that data champions are hiding in plain sight everywhere; anyone who believes in using data to inform choices, and who can convince others of the value of data, has the potential to become a champion. 

So how do we find and grow these “sleeping champions”? Jim Collins share strategies for building “enduring greatness by cultivating a talent pipeline”. In a data context, this could include:

  • Modeling data-driven decision making

  • Provide opportunities for people to learn and share data literacy skills.

  • Recognize and reward data wins.

  • Create a safe space for exploration and honest discussion around data findings.

The LAC Playbook shares examples of how schools have found success by recruiting champions from IT and Academics, who work in partnership to share a consistent message.

What other ways do you find and grow your data champions? Let me know in the comments!

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Nurturing Holistic Growth: The Role of Data Analytics in International Schools with a Focus on Social-Emotional Wellbeing

In the dynamic realm of education, international schools are increasingly leveraging data analytics not only to optimize academic outcomes but also to enhance the social-emotional wellbeing of their students. The integration of data analytics into educational frameworks enables institutions to glean insights that extend beyond traditional academic performance, fostering a holistic approach to student development. One of the pivotal aspects of data analytics in international schools is its application in the analysis of social-emotional wellbeing data. By examining factors such as student engagement, behavioral patterns, and emotional states, schools can gain a deeper understanding of the non-academic aspects of student life. This information is instrumental in tailoring support mechanisms to address the unique socio-emotional needs of each student, ultimately contributing to a more nurturing and inclusive learning environment. Data analytics proves particularly beneficial in identifyin
Post a Comment
Read more

Teaching: Will ChatGPT Change the Way You Teach?

‘The Future is here’ - that’s how Beth McMurtrie, Senior Writer for The Chronicle of Higher Education, starts her article. AI has been around for a while but It’s only been two months since OpenAI made ChatGPT available to the public. Even celebrities are now checking it out. This is the most recent video posted by Ryan Reynolds, showing how he used it for his ad campaign. Its ability to understand requests and reply in clear, well-organized prose that reads like it was written by a human already makes its introduction feel like an epoch-shifting moment for the tech industry, if not humanity itself.  That is also very true for educators, with students having a full, unlimited access to this technology and using it to write essays, writing assignments etc. It’s a clear disruption of the reality we have inherited and it’s not going away. Yes, at present it’s still in its early stages, what you get back after you prompt the AI is mostly coherent but maybe not captivating, and it still do
Post a Comment
Read more