Data Literacy and Action Research
Data literacy, as described by Mandinach and Gummer (2016), encompasses the ability to understand, interpret, and use data effectively in educational settings. This proficiency is important for educators aiming to foster meaningful classroom changes that are informed by solid evidence rather than intuition or tradition alone. In the context of P12 education, data literacy enables teachers and administrators to make informed decisions that directly impact student learning and achievement (Henderson & Corry, 2021). This concept supports the development of a school climate that values and utilizes data in all aspects of its operation, from daily classroom activities to strategic planning for future educational endeavors.
In my educational setting, data is collected through various means, including standardized tests, classroom assessments, surveys, and observational records. The means are all different and useful in different ways. The data from standardized tests, for example, are helpful for identifying trends, progress, gaps, and areas of strength or need at both individual and collective levels. Classroom assessments, on the other hand, provide immediate, actionable data that teachers can use to adjust their instructional strategies to meet the needs of their students; it is helpful for understanding daily student performance and progress toward learning...
…my educational setting toward greater data literacy, I would propose the following action steps: (1) First, I would want the school to provide professional development focused on data literacy skills, including data collection, analysis, interpretation, and action planning. (2) Second, I would want to establish a data team responsible for leading data-driven initiatives and supporting staff in their data use. (3) Third, I would want to create opportunities for staff to collaboratively review and discuss data, encouraging a shared responsibility for
student achievement. These steps would be very helpful in developing a serious, thoughtful, robust, and sustainable
culture of data use…
