I am getting started with an online course: Introduction to Data Wise – a collaborative process to improve learning teaching.

As I got started, the Most Important Point that was highlighted was that educators and administrators using the Data Wise approach in schools keep conversations strictly around learning evidence

I will share some of my notes and definitions from the course Glossary.

ACE Habits of the Mind

The course talked about the ACE Habits of Mind that are defined as:

• A shared commitment to Action, assessment, and adjustment
• Intentional Collaboration in support of ongoing adult learning
• Relentless focus on Evidence in all conversations

Norms

The Data Wise Norms are defined as:

Ground rules for how members of a group agree to behave when working together. Data Wise norms include: take an inquiry stance, ground statements in evidence, assume positive intentions, stick to protocol and hear all voices, start and end on time, and be here now.

and those are:

(1) Taking an inquiry stance, (2) Assuming positive intentions, and (3) Grounding your statements in evidence.

The Ladder of Inference

We humans, are very quick at making judgements, interpretations or inferences. We have preferences and beliefs that also might make quick to jump to conclusions. The ladder of inference is a way for us to avoid this behaviour. The Ladder of Inference is defined as:

A mental model that helps people visualize what is happening in their minds as they select data, interpret it, draw conclusions, and act. By separating out each step of this mental process, the ladder of inference provides a language that people can use to explain the extent to which statements are supported by evidence. The model was developed by business theorist Chris Argyris and popularized by Peter Senge and colleagues in Schools that Learn: A Fifth Discipline Handbook for Educators, Parents, and Everyone Who Cares About Education.

This ladder allows us to stay focused on the learning evidence.

Structuring meetings

Before diving into the content of the Data Wise Improvement Plan, it’s crucial to take the time ti establish several “hows”:

(1) Setting expectations for effective meetings, (2) Setting norms for collaborative work, and (3) Acknowledging work style preferences.

It reminds me a lot about Adaptive School with norms and standards.