It’s a wrap on an incredible sixth season of Data Lit! In this final episode, we each revisit clips from powerful conversations and share key insights that resonate with us, as well as cast three big wishes for the future of data and assessment literacy. From reimagining the role of accountability to fostering deeper partnerships in data analysis, we explore our boldest visions for the road ahead. Join us as we celebrate the lessons learned this season and dream big about the possibilities for the future of education.

Theme music by Millbrook High School’s Tre’mond Ponton

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Contact us via our website or at [email protected]

Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

What can we learn about assessments when we zoom out across states? In this episode of Data Lit, we spotlight four different systems: California, Mississippi, Rhode Island, and Hawaii, to break down what’s tested, how it’s structured, and what makes each approach stand out. From testing formats to the nuances that make each state unique, we keep it real, practical, and easy to follow. Additionally, we each share one question we’re still wondering about, because understanding assessment systems isn’t just about finding answers: it’s about staying curious. If you’ve ever wanted a quick, engaging tour of how different states “do” assessment, this episode is for you.

Research & resources from the episode:

• California Assessment of Student Performance and Progress (CAASPP) System

• New Hampshire Statewide Assessment System

• Mississippi Academic Assessment Program (MAAP)

• Rhode Island Comprehensive Assessment System (RICAS)
  

WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series. Learn more here.

The theme song by Green Hope High School’s Lukas Brandon 

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Contact us via our website or at [email protected]

Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

In our last episode, we explored why perception data is the "missing link" in school improvement. Today, we move from theory to the front lines of leadership, as we are joined by Juley Sexton, principal of A.B. Combs Magnet Elementary.  As a leader who doesn't just collect data, but intentionally builds her school’s growth around it, Principal. Sexton shares her honest perspective on the challenge to get everyone to the table and the creative ways she ensures that even the quietest voices are heard. This episode is about how to make every piece of feedback count toward a better school environment.

Research & resources from the episode:

• WakeConnect Student Engagement Survey post (for WCPSS staff)
• WCPSS post on Family Survey

WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series. Learn more here.

Theme music by Millbrook High School’s Tre’mond Ponton

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Contact us via our website or at [email protected]
Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

While test scores and attendance rates tell us what is happening in our buildings, they rarely tell us why. In this episode of Data Lit, we explore how to unlock the "human side" of school data by effectively gathering and using perception data. Join us as we break down the essential framework for moving beyond "just another survey" to creating a culture of authentic feedback. So, whether you are a classroom teacher, a school principal, or a district leader, this episode provides a six-step roadmap to ensure every voice in your school community is not just heard, but more importantly, every voice is valued.

Research & resources from the episode:

• Victoria Bernhard - Multiple Measures of Data

• Data Lit Episode on Multiple Measures

• WakeConnect Student Engagement Survey post (for WCPSS staff)

• Best Practices for Developing Surveys FOURcast

• Edutopia - 6 Steps for Implementing Student Surveys  

• Edutopia - The Value of Soliciting Student Feedback

• Center For Assessment - Using School and Classroom Climate Surveys to Improve Learning Environments

• Harvard University - Tip Sheet on Question Wording

• Educational Leadership - Don’t Just Gather Data, Use It
  

WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series. Learn more here.

The theme song by Green Hope High School’s Lukas Brandon 

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Contact us via our website or at [email protected]

Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

What policies and practices would make our elementary school libraries more effective? That’s the question that led Elc Estrera from Data, Research, and Accountability to begin collaborating with Kendra Allen and Susan Bock from Library Media Services. It resulted in some informative and intriguing research, which we review in this episode. Tune in to learn about our libraries and pick up some strategies for conducting research. 

This is a crossover episode with Work Smarter, Not Harder. Consider following their show on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Theme music by Millbrook High School’s Tre’mond Ponton

Contact us via our website or at [email protected]

Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

Is a student's understanding of civics best measured by a multiple-choice exam? In this episode of Data Lit, we examine this question by unpacking how we assess civic learning in educational spaces. Using a “Head, Heart, and Hands" framework for defining civics, we discuss how educators can use performance tasks, capstone projects, and rubrics to measure “unmeasurable" skills like civil discourse and community problem-solving. Tune in to learn how we can transform civic data from a simple score into a roadmap for active and informed citizenship.

Research & resources from the episode:

• Center for Assessment: Assessing Civic Learning

• Promoting K-12 Learning and Civic Engagement through Assessments

• DRA’s Assessment Literacy Course

• Validity and Reliability Video

• Cult of Pedagogy: Meet the Single-Point Rubric
  

WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series. Learn more here.

Theme music by Millbrook High School’s Tre’mond Ponton

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Contact us via our website or at [email protected]

Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

Why do identical assignments sometimes receive completely different grades? In this episode of Data Lit, we tackle the inequitable practice of mixing academic data with student compliance by drawing from the latest research in Culturally Responsive Assessment. From unconscious bias to unreliable scales, we explore how individual variation in teacher practices can skew student outcomes.  We also learn how applying the five Principles of Equity can transform teachers’ gradebooks into a valid data tool that truly reflects student learning. Our hope is that listeners glean some tidbits that can help move their gradebook away from a record of compliance and toward an accurate reflection of mastery.

Research & resources from the episode:

• Culturally Responsive Assessment in Classrooms and Large-Scale Contexts

• Educational Leadership - From Grading to Guiding

• Educational Leadership - Is That Grade Accurate?

• Educational Leadership - Five Inconvenient Truths About How We Grade

WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series. Learn more here.

The theme song by Green Hope High School’s Lukas Brandon 

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Contact us via our website or at [email protected]
Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

Have you heard about the BIMAS and wondered why it matters for our schools? In this episode of Data Lit, we sit down with our district’s BIMAS Coordinator, Mary Whitehouse to understand the "why" and "how" behind the implementation, and then pivot to Gina Montague, Guidance Counselor at Bowling Road Elementary to see how that data translates into real-time support for students. Whether you’re looking at the big picture or the individual classroom, this episode will help you understand how our district uses behavior data to ensure no student falls through the cracks.

Research & resources from the episode:

• WakeConnect Page for the BIMAS-2 (for WCPSS employees)

• Putting Student Well-Being First: What we’ve learned from schools using the BIMAS [DRA Report]

• WCPSS’ public page on behavior screeners

• Edutopia’s Why Social and Emotional Learning is Essential for Students
  

WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series. Learn more here.

Theme music by Millbrook High School’s Tre’mond Ponton

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Contact us via our website or at [email protected]

Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

How does a district leader filter through countless data points to find what actually matters? In this episode of Data Lit, we’re joined by Area Superintendent Chris McCabe to discuss the intersection of leadership and data literacy. Mr. McCabe shares his personal journey in education and pulls back the curtain on how he identifies the most crucial data for school improvement. We also dive into a vital conversation on shifting the culture of accountability from a punitive "gotcha" to a powerful learning process for schools. Join us to learn about the future of data in our district and how leadership leverages this information “just a smidge” to support every school.

Research & resources from the episode:

• Visible Learning: 250+ Influences on Student Learning 

• December 2025 Educational Leadership Magazine: The Power of Less in Schools

• Victoria Bernhardt: Multiple Measures of Data

WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series. Learn more here.

The theme song by Green Hope High School’s Lukas Brandon 

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Contact us via our website or at [email protected]

Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

We’re sharing the gift of knowledge with our third annual Holiday Extravaganza! There's a twist to this year's festivities, as we compete against our sister-podcast Work Smarter Not Harder in a holiday data trivia contest hosted by our colleague Daniel Bunce. Play along as you listen to test your seasonal traditions knowledge against the participants from Data, Research, and Accountability!

Follow Work Smart Not Harder on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Contact Data Lit via our website or at [email protected]