Getting people working together with the data you have collected in creating and interactive ways will build a greater sense of community and shared accountability for improvement. Strive for this collaborative effort, but remember that not everyone feels comfortable with data at first and it will take some time and practice to get a proactive, data-driven conversation to happen among stakeholders. Here are some ways you can help other understand data.
A great way to help others understand data is to put it where different stakeholders pass by and will likely see it. This shows people that you are open about the results of different evidence-driven initiatives in your school and gives viewers a chance to chat about what they see. If you are feeling even more open, you can give them a chance to comment on the data via comment box or on sticky notes.
It can be tough to get everyone in the same room to focus on one specific topic. However, creating opportunities for this to happen is a great way to get everyone talking about data more often. Plan a special parent-teacher data kick-off event where you present the data you have collected, as well as the ideas you have come up with for action. Invite parents and teachers (and students) to work out action steps together. Dedicated events like these give everyone a unique opportunity to listen to one another's perspectives in a safe environment.
Support teachers in becoming more evidence-driven in their daily work by allocating time for them to work collaboratively with different types of data. These teams can take on specific topics focused on their collective needs. They can be made across grade levels, within grade levels, across subjects, and within subjects. Whatever the team, make sure you work out the norms, expectations, and guidelines for a collaborative inquiry.