Using data to make better educational decisions

Need for centralized, relational databases foundational. First necessary “building block” for data driven decision making. p. 3.

80 percent of the problem solving is problem framing. Thus problem framing is second building block.

Suggests six step model which inclues 1. Problem framing/define 2. Dat gathering and presentation (eg. spreadsheets, charts). 3. Analyze data. 4. Generate solutions 5. Implement 6. Monitor and Adjust.

Chart on p. 8 shows inputs → instructional processes → out puts. Focus on instructional processes is rare, inconsistent and unsystematic.

Hartford case study described on page 32. Need to present data in a more user friendly format (likened the reports from the state to people trying to make sense of corporate financial reports). Cites Tufte for data presentation. Contracted with an NSF supported Conn group to improve data presentation.

Interesting distinction between analyses conducted in areas with easier mappings between objectives local → state → national → and international (e.g., math and reading) vs. those with greater diversity (eg. social studies, science).