the big idea
See the Dynamic
Data Checklist
03/04
Educators can look to systems that integrate multiple data sources in concert with other information to develop a full picture of student growth, needs, and changes.
Quick Tip
Limited data interoperability can hinder collaboration, reduce efficiency, and limit data-driven decision-making.
Integration matters.
01/04
Ways Leaders
Can Leverage Data for Smarter Decisions
4
In a national poll conducted by AASA and the Data Quality Campaign, 98% of superintendents reported that if they had better access to information, they would be more confident in their abilities to make decisions for their district.
Although educators have access to more data than any other time in history, the influx of data doesn’t always lead to data-informed decisions, in fact, many data scientists believe that we are suffering from DRIP syndrome, (Data Rich, Information Poor).
With this in mind, educators can take proactive approaches to ensure they move from DRIP syndrome to data that cultivates IDEAs (Integrated, Dynamic, Educative, Actionable).
What are the 3 most common interoperability concerns?
Find out!
Dirty Data
Dirty data is inaccurate, incomplete, or inconsistent information that can lead to errors in analysis and decision-making.
2. Siloed Data
Data that is isolated within specific departments, systems, or platforms, making it difficult to access, share, or integrate across an organization.
3. Varied Data
Inconsistent data format, structure, or terminology. Conflicting, mismatched, or duplicate information reduces reliability and accuracy.
Dynamic data adapts with each learner.
02/04
Learning data is most informative when it’s changing with the student. New information every day, like attendance, progress in an application, benchmark data, and behavior data can influence important instructional decisions.
POP QUIZ:
Which scenario best demonstrates the use of dynamic data to guide instructional decisions?
A teacher reviews last year’s state test results to identify which areas to reteach students.
A principal analyzes quarterly grade reports to plan teacher professional development and training.
A teacher uses real-time dashboard updates from a learning platform to adjust lessons based on
student performance.
A district leader examines historical attendance trends over the past five years to propose policy changes.
Not all educators have time to comb through spread sheets to determine where a student's needs are or determine the efficacy of a program.
Intuitive dashboards can help educators see a whole picture of student learning or compare data to obtain a true sense of where students are and quickly determine the best strategies to propel learning.
Educative data enables efficient, intuitive decisions.
Increased Actionability: Streamlines trend identification and action
Improved Collaboration: Ensures that stakeholders are on the same page
Faster Decision-Making: Eliminates delays caused by complex or disorganized data
Reduces Data Overload: Simplifies complex information so educators focus on insights, not spreadsheets
How Educative Data
Supports Educators
Builds Trust and Transparency: Encourages data-driven accountability in schools
Real-Time Student Performance Data: Live assessment scores, quiz results, or progress tracking
Resource Utilization Data: Usage of digital tools, library materials, or learning management systems
Adaptive Learning Data: Adjustments in personalized learning platforms based on student progress
Attendance & Engagement Metrics: Daily or hourly attendance, participation rates, and classroom interactions
Behavioral Data: Insights from student interactions, discipline records, and social-emotional learning indicators
Dynamic Data Checklist
Actionable data transforms insights into meaningful decisions.
Quick Tip!
Quick Tip
Data is only valuable if it’s understandable and usable. When educators can easily access and interpret data, they can make smarter, faster, and more impactful decisions. Educators should prioritize platforms that provide easy-to-access, intuitive data visuals, filters, comparisons, and time slices.
By bringing together all elements of an effective data strategy, educators can make actionable decisions that empower them to develop relevant, timely, and measurable goals for students.
Quick Tip!
Students scored an average of 75% on last week's math test.
Five students scored below 60% on algebra word problems, indicating a need for targeted support with problem-solving strategies.
What Actionable
Data Looks Like:
Specific & Granular: Detailed insights that point to specific issues.
Timely Available when decisions are being made.
Last year’s test scores indicate students are not reading at grade level.
This week’s formative assessment shows 80% of third-grade students need support in decoding words with silent letters.
Easy-to-Understand Clear presentation that doesn’t require extensive analysis.
The variance in attendance rates shows a standard deviation of 4.2 percentage pts, with a coefficient of determination of 0.68.
Attendance dropped by 15% on Mondays in the past month—indicating a possible trend.
Relevant Tied to specific goals.
Students logged one hour each
week watching YouTube math videos.
Students who completed 5 DreamBox lessons each week saw more growth on their benchmark assessments than students who did not complete any lessons.
See 4 Actionable
Data Questions!
By shifting from DRIP syndrome to IDEA-driven data strategies, educators can unlock the full potential of student insights.
Discovery Education ensures that K-12 leaders have access to intuitive data solutions that drive student growth, instructional effectiveness, and smarter decision-making. Through our partnership with Otus, we provide powerful dashboards that bring data to life—helping educators focus on what matters most: student success.
Our district uses two data tools: one to analyze data locally and the other to put the data at the fingertips of the teachers. Too often, teachers have to search several platforms to collect student data. They might use three different platforms for universal screening, another for attendance and yet another to find out about incident reports. Otus has allowed us to merge that data so that a teacher can go to the report section of a student profile and access all of that information in one place.”
Becky Mathison, Assistant Superintendent of Innovation, Teaching and Learning Winnetka Public Schools, IL
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Discover how Discovery Education and Otus transform data into powerful insights that help educators make informed decisions.
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What is the purpose of this data?
Are there measurable goals linked to data?
Is there a process for regularly updating and reviewing data?
What are clear next steps after data reviews?
Questions You Can Ask to Make Data Actionable:
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