Data is mentioned specifically in two of the Headteacher Standards. Firstly, in ‘Leading, Learning and Teaching,’ where it outlines how headteachers need to understand how to collect and analyse data to inform learning and teaching. Second, in securing accountability, where it emphasises how headteachers need the ability ‘to collect and use a rich set of data to understand the strengths and weaknesses of the school’.
The goal is to transform data into information and information into insight. – Carly Fiorina, Hewlett-Packard CEO 1999
Successful schools understand how to use their data to make practical changes in the classroom. They peel away the overall school figures to identify pockets of underachievement. – Smoking out under achievement, DfE 2004
Good schools will have a SEF that captures the data to demonstrate
- where they are now and how well they are doing
- what their priorities are
- what their plans are for moving forward
- criteria for informing them when they have got there
Here lies the new messages for me. Staring down at me from my noticeboard above my monitior every minute of every day, reminding me of the importance my new role has on every child in the school.
Interestingly, it is not that difficult to apply to same core values of ‘challenge and inspire’ I have held for some time now, to advocating a better use of data for learning. In fact, having access to useful data for learning, reinforces a culture of high expectation in every child, that every child can dramatic improvements. We are clearly promoting a cultural shift in practice at our school.
We that said, I have warned myself that it is not just about ‘the data.’ It’s very much data and beyond. To counter balance the impartiality of data, I intend to regularly remind myself that there’s needs to be a belief that the ‘leadership team’ believes in staff. Just as the students need to believe, the teachers believe in them. In both cases, more given, more gained. Data must not be a ‘stick to beat anyone with.’
What has my first steps reading and working with data taught me….
- Data provides questions not answers – (hence leave your stick behind you)
- Data analysis should be used to promote frank and honest discussion, evaluation and planning
- Analyses are available for different groups of pupils, and a range of indicators, to help identify strengths or areas for development and intervention
- Use the past to inform the future
Second, use outlook tasks to set middle leader deadlines. Request colleagues return information via email with a set sybject line and use Outlook rules to manage your in box.
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