^{View this message online}

Quality Quick Takes - May 2022

“Data will talk to you if you’re willing to listen.” Jim Bergeson

What is the data saying to you? School leaders are inundated with data that analyzing it becomes a chore. Color-coded spreadsheets of formative assessments, unit assessments, digital program usage reports, digital program progress reports, quarterly grades, interim grades, survey data, demographic data, and the list goes on and on. In order to avoid being data rich and information poor, school leaders should consider utilizing a data-informed decision-making approach to school improvement efforts.

According to Knapp et. al (2006), school leaders should consider moving away from the idea that data can provide clear, indisputable direction for future action and instead embrace the notion of data-informed decision-making that captures the complex and often ambiguous nature of data used in educational settings. Data-informed decision-making includes the quality of data over quantity and consideration is given to the context, personal insights, and interpretation when making decisions. Leaders should model effective use of data and provide structured time for teachers to participate in data dialogues to interpret the data and then make decisions for the next steps.

Leaders can promote engagement in cycles of data-informed inquiry and action in order to guide school improvement efforts. The Plan-Do-Study-Act model provides a structure to assist with this process:

Plan - The school improvement team develops action steps to achieve SMART goals based on the review of data during the Comprehensive Needs Assessment

Do - School staff implement the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan

Study - As data is being collected, teams meet to review the data and engage in discussion around the context, experiences, and human element to assist with making decisions regarding next steps. The data alone does not determine the decisions, but the interpretation plays a key role in determining how to move forward.

Act - Teams now implement the steps outlined after interpreting the data.

School improvement is a continuous process and the use of data-informed decision making will support leaders to leverage the interpreted data into knowledge to guide decisions and actions. Consider how you might intentionally plan for school teams to move beyond spreadsheets and averages to consider the context, interpretation, and experiences related to data. This investment of time to engage in data dialogues will support your decision-making to address.   

Rebecca Hall

Rebecca Hall, Interim State Accreditation Coordinator

Data-Driven Vs Data-Informed: Which is More Strategic?

Data-Driven, Data-Informed & Data-Inspired — Old Ideas, New Words

Data Informed Leadership 

Support for High-Quality Educational Environments

Using data to guide school improvement efforts requires leaders to engage with their constituents and establish data use processes before leveraging data for informed decision making. Notably, leaders must foster a culture of data use, understand how and why data applies to school goals, and ensure that other leaders and staff are data literate. With a community that believes in and is prepared to engage with data, leaders may select and implement a data protocol that guides data users through the collection, analysis, and decision-making components of data-informed decision making.

This brief from Hanover Research comprises research and best practices on building a culture for data use so that staff members engage with data for informed decision-making. Further, insights explore how leaders may implement processes for using—and supporting others’ use of—relevant and meaningful data when making informed and purposeful decisions. Hanover Research then provides links AND/QR codes to external resources that further describe data use for school improvement, data culture and literacy, and data-informed decision-making protocols. Please make use of this supplement from Hanover Research to assist your work in data-informed decision-making.

Q-Tip

Data-informed decision-making allows leaders to move beyond typical limitations of data collection. As leaders begin to conduct comprehensive needs assessments for the upcoming school year, data teams must explore factors that contribute to the results. In the upcoming technical assistance, Data-Informed Decisions, OSQ will identify ways to support data literacy throughout the school community, reinforce the importance of following data protocols, and share concrete examples of how leaders engage in data-informed decisions.

On Thursday, June 2, 2022, a technical assistance (TA) session will be held to discuss strategies for making data-informed decisions. If you are interested in learning more, complete this registration form, TA-Data-Informed Decisions, by May 31, 2022. This training will include opportunities to reflect on your current practices, methods to enhance your planning process, and the use of data to support your school improvement efforts.  

Additional Technical Assistance

As you consider your school improvement efforts, the Office of School Quality would like to invite all instructional leaders to our Module II:  The Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) Process virtual webinar training session.  This virtual webinar will take place on May 18, 2022, at 10:00 a.m., and will repeat later that evening at 6:00 p.m. Participants will develop an understanding of the connection between the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP), the Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA), and the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). The training will provide research strategies, templates, and tools. Please click this link to register for the 10:00 a.m. session and this link for the 6:00 p.m. session. Each training webinar lasts approximately 90 minutes.

As you develop your CNA, the Office of School Quality would like to invite all instructional leaders to its Module III:  The Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP) virtual webinar training session.  This virtual webinar will take place on May 25, 2022, at 10:00 a.m. and will repeat later that evening at 6:00 p.m. Participants will learn the key components of the School Improvement Plan and will include templates, resources, strategies, and opportunities to practice developing the CSIP.  Please click this link to register for the 10:00 a.m. session and this link for the 6:00 p.m. session. Each training webinar lasts approximately 90 minutes.

More Opportunities to Learn about Continuous Improvement:  Announcing the OSQ Summer Summits for 2022!

The summit is an in-person, one-day technical assistance session designed to provide an overview and connection-building experience that supports division and school leaders in their understanding of the continuous improvement process.  

Participants will actively link the continuous improvement process in Modules I-IV, inclusive of the Academic Review/Evidence-based Interventions components, in the application of the CSIP. Sessions are optional.  Click this link to register. Dates and locations are indicated below:

• Roanoke - June 30 2022 - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Williamsburg - July 14, 2022 - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Richmond - July 21, 2022 - 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Please review the OSQ Spring and Summer Catalog to learn more about all future upcoming webinars and training offered by the Office of School Quality.

Data Connections

The Center for the Study of Teaching and Policy research team, provides a report in collaboration with the Wallace Foundation that discusses how data-informed leadership practices move beyond an examination of typical data sets to drive continuous improvement.  Knapp et al. (2006) in this report discuss the uses of data, share strategies for making data-informed decisions, and explore factors that can inhibit a leader's ability to make decisions to improve student achievement. 

Collaboration Corner 

SPOTLIGHT: Summer and Science!

Jamestown-Yorktown Foundation's 2022 Summer Teacher Institute  

Get ready for the 250th anniversary of the American Revolution at this Institute–July 11-14, 2022. This four-day, all-expenses paid professional development opportunity is specifically designed for upper elementary and middle school teachers. Participants will take part in immersive learning experiences and collaborate with fellow teachers to develop lessons for students to build 21st-century skills. Find out more information today!

VPM Science Matters

The Virginia’s home for Public Media (VPM) Science Matters Facebook Chat will be on Thursday nights at 8:30 p.m. following the premier of Season 4 of UNTAMED April 21, 2022 – June2022.

Nanoscience Summer Institute for Middle School Teachers

This is an opportunity to learn and explore nanomaterials and nanoscience related concepts. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 15, 2022. Sessions include both an in-person and virtual option to extend the opportunity to teachers across the US. Teachers can receive a stipend and materials.

Summer Opportunity- Grammar Reimagined

Join Sean Ruday for a workshop held on July 27, 2022, at Zehmer Hall at the University of Virginia. In this workshop, participants will have interactive discussions about teaching grammar in the context of writing instruction, using mentor texts, and enhancing student metacognition of grammatical concepts and writing strategies. Find out more details today!   

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Planet Stewards

Educators have access to free opportunities and resources, enabling them to build scientifically literate individuals and communities who are prepared to respond to environmental challenges monitored by NOAA. These opportunities include webinars, book clubs, archived newsletters, and more.

Hands-on Science Professional Development for Workshops

Free workshops sponsored by Virginia Tech College of Science and the Fralin Life Sciences. They are open for science teachers of grades 8-12 and will be held June 27-29, 2022. Capacity is limited. See VT for more information.

Relevant Research and Best Practice Highlights

Best Practice Highlights - Shared below are two links to research reports designed to provide school leaders with information that supports building systems to include data processes and practices.

• Best Practices in Utilizing Communication Data
• Best Practices for Data Facilitators and Data Teams

Did you know? 

Early Childhood Special Education:  Creating Connections to Shining Stars – Keynote Speaker Announced

Dr. Jim Harris, owner of Opportunities Consulting Services and the Associate Director of the West Virginia Autism Training Center at Marshall University, will deliver the keynote speech at this year’s Creating Connections to Shining Stars, July 20-21, 2022. Dr. Harris will focus on children’s developmental needs and how they relate to challenging behavior. The Preconference Day is full and limited spaces remain for days 2 and 3 of the conference. Virtual registration is open (register below).

• Creating Connections to Shining Stars

Special Education Endorsement

Old Dominion University offers grant funding/discounts for qualified Virginia school division personnel seeking endorsement in Special Education, General Curriculum K-12. Teachers with valid provisional Special Education General Curriculum licenses are eligible, and other school personnel with bachelor’s degrees may be eligible. Coursework is delivered using online and televised formats. Find out more information or email with questions.

Virginia Consortium for Teacher Preparation in Special Education Adapted Curriculum

ACSD Consortium comprises the Universities of George Mason, Radford, James Madison, Virginia Commonwealth, and Old Dominion. This program is designed to accelerate the training for teachers with newly-issued provisional licenses and to increase the number of fully endorsed teachers by providing training to full-time pre-service personnel. Email for more information: ODU, GMU, JMU, RU, or VCU.

Reading Specialist Endorsement Program

William & Mary offers a post-professional online certificate for teachers who currently hold a master’s degree but would like to add a reading specialist endorsement. It is a 21-credit program offered in 7-week terms over four semesters. More information and an online application are available now.

Opportunity to join a Network Improvement Community (NIC)

The Office of School Quality is inviting you to participate in a NIC designed for Virginia school and division leaders to work together in solving common problems of practice. Introductory sessions will be held on May 24, 2022, and May 26, 2022, to provide interested learners with details regarding this collaborative opportunity. We are looking forward to learning and growing with you! 

To find out more, please contact Dr. April Kiser-Edwards at april.kiser-edwards@doe.virginia.gov. Registration details below:

• May 24, 2022,  9:00-9:30 am. – Registration NIC AM Session- 5/24

May 26, 2022, 6:00-6:30 p.m. – Registration NIC PM Session- 5/26

Reminders

Growing Continuous School Improvement Series    Upcoming Virtual Training Webinars from the Office of School Quality on the Continuous Improvement Process:  OSQ Spring and Summer Catalog May 18, 2022 Module II - CNA Webinar Session 1:  10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Session 2:  6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Module II:  Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA) Process. Participants will learn about the process of conducting a CNA. Learners will develop an understanding of the connection between the Continuous Improvement Process (CIP), the CNA, and the Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). The training will provide research strategies, templates, and tools to develop a CNA that includes stakeholder feedback. Sessions are optional. May 25, 2022 Module III - CSIP Webinar Session 1:  10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m. Session 2:  6:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. Module III:  Comprehensive School Improvement Plan (CSIP). Participants will learn the key components of the School Improvement Plan, understanding its connection to their Comprehensive Needs Assessment (CNA). The training will include templates, resources, strategies, and opportunities to practice developing SMART goals, Essential Actions, and Action Steps to support continuous improvement. Sessions are optional. June 1, 2022 & June 8, 2022 Academic Review Overview Webinar:   Session 1:  June 1, 2022 - 9:00 a.m. - 10:00 a.m. Session 2:  June 1, 2022 - 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Session 3:  June 8, 2022 - 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. A 60-minute brief introduction outlining the purpose and process of the academic review.  Audience: Division and school leaders who anticipate conducting an academic review. Schools will conduct a review based on 2021-2022 school year data. Any school with a Level Two School Quality Indicator(s) for “ALL” students in English, mathematics, and/or science and schools with ANY Level Three School Quality Indicator(s) must undergo an Academic Review. Permitted in the 2017 Standards of Accreditation. Conducting the Academic Review  Virtual Training Options:  Session 1: June 14, 2022- 8:00 am-12:00 pm  Session 2: August 16, 2022 8:00 am-12:00 pm (link forthcoming)  This full VIRTUAL training will equip participants with an understanding of the process, the tools, how to prepare for and conduct the Academic Review, and completion of the Academic Review Report. In-Person Training Options August 2 and 3  September 27 and 28  The in-person training will include activities and the opportunity to collaborate. See the OSQ catalog for more information.    Upcoming Quick Takes Topic June 2022 - Introduction to Actionable Plans School Improvement Grant (SIG) Applications Divisions are reminded that SIG reimbursements must be submitted to OMEGA at least once a month as this allows the Office of School Quality (OSQ) and the division to monitor the spend-down of the SIG funds.

Any feedback about this communication is greatly appreciated.  If you have a topic you would like to see in a future monthly edition of Quality Quick Takes, contact OSQ at OSQ@doe.virginia.gov.

This monthly communication is intended for school and division leadership throughout the Commonwealth.

Don't ever miss a Quick Takes, sign up to join our mailing list.