Data: The Key to Insight and Growth

“You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data.” — Daniel Keys Moran

Some time ago, I worked with a school to implement Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) after a new principal expressed a desire to foster a collaborative culture centered on professional learning and data-driven decision-making. This was already a high-performing school, but the principal saw potential for even greater improvement. During one of the initial training sessions, a teacher expressed frustration, saying, "We don’t use data to make decisions like those other schools that have to." This comment prompted me to dig deeper, and I found that the teacher wasn’t necessarily opposed to using data. Instead, they were concerned about the additional workload they feared might come with it. There was a misconception that “data” meant a rigid 1-100 metric used to label teachers as "good" or "bad." Fortunately, the principal and their leadership team helped clarify that they were already using various data sources—just not strategically enough to target essential standards and foster a highly collaborative system. This experience led me to reflect on data’s role in understanding what’s truly happening and in guiding thoughtful decision-making in all aspects of life.

The term "data" can indeed be broad, encompassing both quantitative (numerical) and qualitative (descriptive) forms. Both types are valuable for making well-rounded decisions. I've often found it helpful, especially when working with educators hesitant about data, to show that data informs decisions all the time. In Texas public schools, for instance, the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness (STAAR) test—an annual summative assessment—measures proficiency in state standards beginning in 3rd grade. While it’s a high-stakes metric, it’s just one data point. In my work with schools, we use multiple data sources to drive decisions, not just STAAR results. In the first year of PLC implementation, we typically focus on having teachers administer Common Formative Assessments (CFAs) once every unit (every 3-5 weeks). These CFAs are centered on essential standards and allow teachers to identify who has mastered content, who needs intervention, and who requires enrichment. Once teachers become proficient with this, we introduce more frequent assessments, eventually leading to quick daily checks to assess students’ understanding. When schools reach this level, they can make significant progress toward academic and behavioral goals.

Data-driven growth isn’t limited to schools; it’s essential for personal improvement, too. After my experience with the Leadville 100 in August 2024, I took a hard look at my training data to assess what went well and where I could improve for my next attempt in 2026. I used an After-Action Report to evaluate my strengths, like my weight training, which kept me injury-free and showed progress in my increasing reps and strength over long runs. I also tracked calories and macronutrient intake. However, I identified key areas for improvement, such as calorie intake (which led to a bit of weight gain) and lack of progress on my lactate threshold, which could have helped me maintain a sustainable heart rate over 24-30 hours. Using multiple data points allowed me to refine my training plan, and I’m hopeful about achieving my goal in Leadville in the future. This reflection wouldn’t have been possible without these varied data sources.

If you’re a school or district leader not yet fostering discussions around multiple data sources, I encourage you to ask yourself why. If time feels tight, consider setting aside moments during calmer periods to invest in a data-driven culture. When schools start by building a commitment among their teams, it leads to sustainable outcomes for students. In our personal lives, too, if there’s an area for growth, find a way to track it accurately. Whether it’s health, time management, or family connections, using data enables more efficient, informed decisions over guesswork. Growth doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s rarely easy. But once you develop a habit of using accurate data, understanding where to grow, how to grow, and measuring that growth becomes clear. So, I leave you with this question: How do you know you’re growing?