What is Data?

What is this thing we call data? As I was completing my 3 mile run this morning I started thinking about data and how influential it is in our lives. What is data? Data is everything around us. As we are driving, walking, running, talking, etc.. our minds are constantly collecting data and filtering whether it is useful or not. When I am running, I need to know where everyone else is on the track (data) for safety purposes. When we are driving we constantly check our mirrors and gauges (data) to ensure our vehicles will make it to the destination safely. When we are interacting with people we are taking in verbal and non-verbal cues (data) to let us know if we are communicating effectively. When striving to reach your goals you should be checking the progress (data) along the journey to ensure you are on track. I could go on with multiple examples, but I feel you have the picture.

The data we collect (whether consciously or subconsciously) should be utilized to make informed decisions. If my lap time is getting slower during my morning run, I must ask myself what steps are needed to get back on track. If you notice that your weight is increasing although you are counting your calories, you must determine what needs to be done to fix the problem. When I was in the military I was reminded of a very simple, yet profound fact. Colonel Hall commanded, "Soldiers you have to be honest with yourself." While analyzing data, it's tempting to manipulate it to enable you to hold on to excuses that could potentially impede your success. Are you being honest with yourself? Deep down we know what needs to happen, but often we just don't make the necessary changes to get back on track.

Data is important for everything we do in life. Without interpretation of data we would not know if we have met our goals and could live in an endless cycle of success or failure. We need to be able to analyze the data to choose the appropriate path and monitor progress along the way. As stated previously, data is data...numbers don't lie. However, data can be skewed to see whatever we want to see--it can make bad things look great and great things look bad. It all depends on the lenses being used. My mother used to tell me, "Believe half of what you see and none of what you hear." As I got older I started to realize that the statement applies to data as well. The things we observe with our own eyes are primary sources, and depending on the frame of reference or lens we are utilizing, the data can be misinterpreted.

The things that we hear are secondary sources and have been filtered through someone else's lens so we also have to utilize that data cautiously.

What does this mean for school leaders? As school leaders we are bombarded with data on a regular basis. Emails, text messages, phone calls, test scores, parents, teachers, and students to name a few. We have to be able to filter the data expeditiously to make the best decisions for our campuses. We have to implement systems that enable us to make conscientious decisions to allow our scholars to be successful. As school leaders we have to be able to filter and utilize the data to make informed decisions that impact student success.

How do we filter the data? One source of data that I filter regularly is email. I accomplish this by turning off the automatic email notifications. Trust me if it is urgent and important they will call you. The next step is to start setting appointments twice a day to process your email. I schedule time to process my inbox and I have established rules to sort emails to different folders. You have to commit to the time just like it is an appointment with someone else. This is a first step to start filtering the data that prevents you from focusing on the things that will help you be successful.

What data do you use to impact the necessary change on your campus?

How often do you review the data?

What systems do you have in place to remove your bias from the data?