The Data-Informed District: A District-Wide Evaluation of Data Use in the Natrona County School District

Most school districts are attempting to use data to improve practice, but are addressing it in bits and pieces as needs arise.  The Natrona County School District (NCSD) has taken a progressive step by enlisting an external evaluation team to examine data practices throughout NCSD before proceeding with an initiative.  The evaluation team, comprised of Dr. Jeffrey C. Wayman and graduate students Vincent Cho and Mary T. Johnston of the University of Texas at Austin, conducted the evaluation from the perspective of the “data-informed district.”  

Wayman, Cho, & Johnston describe a data-informed district as one where educational data inform every decision and are used by every educator at every level. In such a district, common understandings exist about the nature of learning, the nature of teaching, and how data may best inform these charges.

This report outlines the findings and recommendations from this evaluation.  Using interview data from 128 individuals and survey data from 435 individuals, Wayman, Cho, & Johnston thoroughly examine data use, data practices, opinions, and technological resources at every level of the district.  These detailed findings are used to outline a series of detailed recommendations for NCSD to efficiently become a data-informed district. Also included is an appendix that offers NCSD's perspective and positions 90 days after receiving the evaluation.

View the full report in .pdf format

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