Today, I attended a Region 4 Data Conference: Learning From The Numbers(Strengthening Data Practices). It was a training that I had to pay for myself, but I know Data is “my jam” and honing that skill is something that I want to do.
A keynote from Dave Nagel kicked off the conference. That initial address to the attendees was incredibly impactful. I learned about the three things an assessment:should accomplish Purpose, Evidence and Inference.
Be Patient and Thorough were my major takeaways.
Breakout Session 1: Using Protocols To Drive Impact Into Evidence(Data)
In the first breakout session of the day, which was conducted by Mr. Nagel, I learned what an efficient Data-Based PLC looked like. We were a school’s performance and asked to desegregate it with five questions. That task was completed in 11 minutes…terrific exercise on the power of collaboration.
Breakout Session 2: Compelling Action Through Data Stories
The second breakout session was conducted by Sharon Benson. As a session starter, she had us get in groups and discuss a bar graph on the board. Our task was to guess the purpose of the visual without knowing its origin.
After allowing us time to brainstorm the purpose, she revealed that it was 2019 and 2021 data for Region 4 schools. There were two key noticings.
+25 percent of kids mastered grade-level in 2019 and 2021. I couldn’t believe that the number remained the same.
-The overall pass rate dropped around eight percent…an area for growth.
It was so refreshing and fulfilling to discuss data.
Keynote PM: Dave Nagel
Another keynote by Mr.Nagel got the evening sessions under way. He touched on two key subjects: Teacher Credibility and Learning Walks.
He broke down the four components of teacher credibility: Trust, Competence, Dynamism and Immediacy. To simplify, kids got to like you and think you know what you’re doing.
Then we learned about and discussed the three types of Learning Walks: Ghost Walk, Capacity-Building Learning Walk, and Faculty Learning Walk.
Ghost Walk: Happens when no one is in the room. Is the room conducive to learning?
Capacity-Building Learning Walk: Administrators walk the school and give teachers feedback on their instruction. Or Is Learning taking place?
Faculty Learning Walk: Teachers observe each other.
Breakout Session #3: ABC, 123-The Building Blocks of Data in Early Childhood
Interestly enough, I made sure that this would be a beneficial presentation beforehand. I was assured by the presenter, Brandy Alexander, that it would be. She was right–as I learned about Curriculum-Based Coaching, which is a concept where teachers conduct a lesson with other teachers before they enter the classroom.
I found out that Ms. Alexander is “free” support for Pre-K teachers in the Region 4 zone. (Yep,Free. Hit her up)
Breakout Session #4: Centralizing Your Data Into A Single Source Of Truth
To conclude my day, I took in a session by John Warren, who works for OnDataSuite, a software company that supports districts with their Data Analysis tool.
Admittedly, the training doesn’t benefit me in the short-term–as it was for district-level data people and Superintendents. Buttttttt…The software and its efficacy will be a valuable resource once I begin the process of opening The Phenomenal Leadership Academy.
What’s the old saying? Dress(Prepare) for the job you want, not the one you have.
Invest In Yourself.
Be Phenomenal, Mr. Short
The Phenomenal Student 