Purposeful Action

“All models are wrong, but some are useful.” George Box

Theory of Action

If we plan ahead for the variability we would predict to see in our data, we can shift the balance towards data-based decision making.

Data Cadence

Decision Types

The Knowledge Funnel

Mystery

Heuristic

Algorithmic

Data Inspired

Provide interesting data, but do not lead to foreseeable actions
Example: if a student is asked how their vacation went, it might be useful data for future decisions but it is difficult to know ahead of time.

Data Informed

Lead to a set of possible actions that would need to be evaluated case-by-case
Example: if a student does poorly on an assessment then the teacher might speak with the student, allow a retake, contact a parent, or do nothing.

Data Driven

Have a clear, algorithmic logic from the initial data question to the possible actions taken.
Example: if a student is absent for three days, we contact the parents or guardians to inquire

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