Author Jason Williams develops a framework that balances data-based decision making with a deep consideration for addressing students' unique needs to foster improved learning outcomes. Focusing on five qualities integral to a healthy data culture, Williams offers educators a simple, reliable way to assess and reconsider their data practices to…

States serve as the central authority in higher education oversight, playing a critical role in consumer protection and quality assurance within the regulatory triad and as an independent regulatory entity. However, there is a notable gap in understanding the components of renewal processes, how agencies implement them in practice, and the…

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in higher education has mostly focused on issues associated with teaching and assessment. In this paper I used AI to support the analysis of data which consisted of public comments on a newspaper article. This small, low risk research was chosen to demonstrate the potential use of AI and how it may support…

Evaluation data helps inform decision-makers about the time, human capital, and funding required for professional learning to be effective. Evaluation data also guides program improvement and sets leaders' expectations for ongoing monitoring and accountability. The complexities of the educational systems in which professional learning happens mean…

In today's data-driven and data-informed educational landscape, leaders face increasing pressure to make decisions and present results based on what appear to be comprehensive statistical analyses. However, the ethical implications of these responsibilities can be complex, particularly when statistical results carry the potential to be…

The "Individuals with Disabilities Education Act" (IDEA) requires state education agencies (SEAs) to establish a general supervision system for their local education agencies (LEAs), which includes making LEA determinations. In this resource, the IDEA Data Center (IDC) provides an overview of the annual LEA determinations requirements…

The U.S. Department of Education's (ED) Office for Civil Rights (OCR) administers the Civil Rights Data Collection (CRDC), which is a mandatory survey of all public schools and school districts in the 50 states, Washington, D.C., and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. To support school districts' timely submission of accurate data, OCR takes steps…

Data ethics have emerged as an essential topic in education. Educators must know how to use data effectively and responsibly. This is a complex and systemic issue that involves bringing awareness to all stakeholders, building human capacity, modifying policy, and considering equitable solutions to data use. This article posits an initial framework…

State regulators are the central authority in higher-education oversight, charged with ensuring consumer protection and quality assurance within the regulatory triad. Yet gaps remain in the understanding of regulatory renewal processes, their real-world implementation, and the capacity challenges these agencies face. To address this, State Higher…

Written especially for state policy makers, administrators and advocates, this brief is our fifth annual examination of state attendance data, policy, and practices. It is based on a review of websites for all 50 states and Washington, D.C., as well as a survey completed by 49 states and Washington, D.C. State leaders, especially in state…

Purpose: This study investigated the links between states' principal evaluation policies and student achievement. We focused on three levers that policymakers have used to hold principals accountable for improving student achievement: (1) including student academic growth data, (2) mandating observations of principal behavior (site visits), and…

Early intervention (EI) home visitation programs are central to delivering services that support infants and toddlers displaying developmental delays or disabilities and their families. Entities that oversee such programs continually seek to strengthen the quality of program practices. The "Getting Ready" approach is a professional…

Outcomes-Based Contracting (OBC) ties vendor payments to performance metrics, aiming to enhance accountability in public education. This study examines its implementation in tutoring services through the Southern Education Foundation pilot program. Interviews with district leaders and vendors reveal that OBC fosters collaboration, improves service…

Minimal research has been conducted regarding success factors of high school students in rural districts. Through archival data retrieval, student interviews, and observations, this mixed methods study sought to identify success factors of juniors and seniors enrolled at one rural public school in South Texas. The impact of support systems, the…

This position statement focuses on the importance of the federal role in the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and why federal involvement matters. The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) recognizes the crucial role that the federal government has played in the education of students with disabilities. CEC is committed to ensuring…