Does it seem that everyone in education is working
harder than ever? That’s what everyone says they are doing. Weren’t those
automated computer applications supposed to make us all more efficient? Wasn’t
data-driven decision making (D3M) supposed to ensure better decisions?
The reality is that, these improvements did happen.
What’s lagging is our capacity to use the time and information we have now to
maximum benefit. We haven’t yet mastered the art or science of interpreting
data. Reliability, validity, significance, and other issues confuse us and
actually lower our confidence in the data we have. Clearly, we spend too little
time thinking about our data. We need to find time to study, interpret, and
apply the data at hand. Working smarter, not harder seems to be the perfect
advice for today.
The EduGuru speaks: We are working our fingers to the
bone. Unfortunately, it’s from scratching our heads.
Excellent points!
It is INDEED not just about "interpreting data," it's also about leadership! The issue is to lead and take ACTION with the data on hand AND with the questions that are raised.
The art of eduction leadership would be to "sculpt" actions that both benefit learning/teaching and increase the clarity of the data. Could that happen?
Posted by: B A Data Therapist | December 29, 2008 at 06:44 AM