Facilitator's Guide to Leading Schools in a Data-Rich World: Harnessing Data for School Improvement

by Lorna M. Earl, Steven Katz, Sonia Ben Jaafar

Overview

Train educators on using the power of data to positively impact student achievement!

Based on the best-selling book Leading Schools in a Data-Rich World, this guide gives staff developers and workshop leaders the tools to facilitate book study groups, seminars, and professional development events to help school leaders integrate data as a catalyst for school change and enhanced student performance.

This easy-to-use guidebook offers step-by-step instructions to support training sessions that can help educators gain:

• An understanding of data analysis and data interpretation
• An inquiry "habit of mind" to view the use of data as an integral part of the school improvement process
• Leadership capacity that supports an inquiry process

Each chapter features:

• Facilitator′s notes
• Discussion questions
• Timed activities

The Facilitator′s Guide to Leading Schools in a Data-Rich World is ideal for staff developers or anyone leading professional training for groups of any size—pairs, small workshops, or large seminars.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781452295275
Publisher:	SAGE Publications
Publication date:	10/10/2007
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	64
File size:	1 MB

About the Author

Lorna M. Earl is a director of Aporia Consulting Ltd. and a retired associate professor from the Department of Theory and Policy Studies at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto. She was the first director of assessment for the Ontario Education Quality and Accountability Office, and she as been a researcher and research director in school districts for over 20 years.

Throughout her career, Earl has concentrated her efforts on policy and program evaluations as a vehicle to enhance learning for pupils and for organizations. She has done extensive work in the areas of literacy and the middle years, but has concentrated her efforts on issues related to evaluation of large-scale reform and assessment (large-scale and classroom) in many venues around the world. She has worked extensively in schools and school boards, and has been involved in consultation, research, and staff development with teachers′ organizations, ministries of education, school districts, and charitable foundations. Earl holds a doctorate in epidemiology and biostatistics, as well as degrees in education and psychology.

Steven Katz is the director of Aporia Consulting Ltd. and a faculty member in the Applied Psychology and Human Development at the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto (OISE, UT), where he teaches in the Child Study and Education graduate program. He is the recipient of the OISE, UT- wide award for teaching excellence. Steven has a PhD in human development and applied psychology, with specialization in applied cognitive science. His areas of expertise include cognition and learning, teacher education, networked learning communities, leading professional learning, and evidence-informed decision making for school improvement. He has received the Governor General’s Medal for excellence in his field and has been involved in research and evaluation, professional development, and consulting with a host of educational organizations around the world. He is the author of several best-selling books, including Leading Schools in a Data-Rich World, Building and Connecting Learning Communities, Intentional Interruption, and The Intelligent, Responsive Leader.

 

Sonia Ben Jaafar is a research associate at Aporia Consulting Ltd. She works internationally to support policy and program development and implementation through applied research and evaluation. Her areas of expertise include assessment, accountability, educational reform, policy and program development, and comparative studies.

Ben Jaafar graduated from the Ontario Institute for Studies in Education of the University of Toronto with a PhD in theory and policy studies. She also holds an MA in curriculum, teaching, and learning; a BEd specialized in science education; and a BSc in biochemistry.

Table of Contents

About the Authors
Introduction
How to Use This Guide
Suggested Timeline for Workshop Schedule
Overview of the Book
Additional Resources for Facilitators
Chapter-by-Chapter Study Guide: Facilitator′s Guide to Leading Schools in a Data-Rich World: Harnessing Data for School Improvement by Lorna M. Earl and Steven Katz
Segment 1: What Do You Believe About Your School?
Chapter 1. Putting Data at the Center of School Improvement
Segment 2: Capacities for Using Data for Decision Making
Chapter 2. Using Data for Informed Decision Making
Chapter 3. Cultivating the Qualities of Data-Driven Leadership
Segment 3: What Is the Context and Direction of This Inquiry?
Chapter 4. Developing an Inquiry Habit of Mind
Segment 4: What Are the Data and Questions for This Inquiry?
Chapter 5. Becoming Data Literate
Segment 5: How Do We Make Sense of the Data?
Chapter 5. Becoming Data Literate
Chapter 6. Creating a Culture of Inquiry
Segment 6: How Do We Do Something About What We Find?
Chapter 6. Creating a Culture of Inquiry
Segment 7: Sustaining the Process
Chapter 7. Sustaining the Process: The Cycle of Inquiry
Handouts
Handout 1. Metaphor Reflection Activity Sheet
Handout 2. Initial Environmental Scan Activity Sheet: Part 1
Handout 3. Initial Environmental Scan Activity Sheet: Part 2
Handout 4. Selecting Your Colors Activity Sheet
Handout 5. Block the Canvas: From Indicator Categories to Questions Activity Sheet
Handout 6. Block the Canvas: From Questions to Data Sources Activity Sheet
Handout 7. Data Quality Activity Sheet
Handout 8. Questions About Data Quality Activity Sheet
Handout 9. Interpreting the Individual Data Sources Activity Sheet
Handout 10. Consensus About Interpretations Activity Sheet
Workshop Evaluation Form