“More than its predecessor, ESSA [Every Student Succeeds Act] calls on teachers to integrate data into their practice for the good of students. It is a complex yet ultimately achievable goal.” — Ellen B. Mandinach, WestEd, and Edith S. Gummer, Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation*

In a recently published Phi Delta Kappan magazine article, Ellen B. Mandinach and Edith S. Gummer emphasize the need for teachers to be data literate.

“The expectation is that teachers skilled in data use will develop more effective classroom and instructional practices, which ultimately will lead to improved student performance,” write the authors in “Every Teacher Should Succeed with Data Literacy.”

In addition to outlining the importance of teachers and data literacy, Mandinach and Gummer:

  • Define what it means to be data literate in education
  • Identify the five components that comprise the needed skills to transform data into actionable pieces of work
  • Discuss using data responsibly and ethically
  • Offer recommendations for how teachers can attain data literacy

Visit this Phi Delta Kappan web page to access the article abstract and order the complete article.

* Mandinach is a Senior Research Scientist and Director of the Data for Decisions Initiative at WestEd. Gummer is Director of Education Research and Policy at the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation.