Data-first.org Provides Interactive Tools to Help School Leaders Improve Student Learning and School Operations
Alexandria, Va. (December 16, 2010) – The Center for Public Education has launched a new website, www.data-first.org, designed to help school leaders use data and research to improve student learning and school effectiveness.
“School board members and others need solid evidence and facts in order to make tough decisions,” said Patte Barth, the Center's Director. “The Data First website provides education data, research and tools to help school leaders make sure their policies will result in higher student achievement.”
Funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, the Data First website features interactive polls, videos, and discussions on key education issues, including student achievement, teacher effectiveness, college and workforce readiness, school funding and more.
“Data allows school leaders to set priorities, target resources and monitor results based on evidence, not on hunches,” said Barth. “The Data First website is intended to help school board members become more comfortable with using education data in their ongoing efforts to make sure all students in their communities are receiving the instruction and support they need to be successful.”
Additionally, local communities, organizations, and the media can use the Data First website’s tools to analyze information and proposals that affect schools, teachers, and students.
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The Center for Public Education (www.centerforpubliceducation.org) is a national resource for credible and practical information about public education and its importance to the well-being of our nation. The Center provides up-to-date research, data, and analysis on current education issues and explores ways to improve student achievement and engage public support for public schools. The Center is an initiative of the National School Boards Association.
Founded in 1940, the National School Boards Association (NSBA) is a not-for-profit organization representing state associations of school boards and their more than 90,000 local school board members throughout the U.S. Working with and through our state associations, NSBA advocates for equity and excellence in public education through school board leadership. www.nsba.org