Data Lit

Ready to put culturally responsive assessment into practice? Then join us for part two of our series on the new book, Culturally Responsive Assessment in the Classroom and Large-Scale Assessments. In this episode, we break down the editors’ six-stage cycle of teaching, learning, and assessment. From self-reflection to lesson evaluation, we walk through each phase to share what the research says about how to embed cultural responsiveness in every step of your planning, instruction, and assessment process. Tune in for practical ways to make your classroom cycle more equitable and effective!

Research & resources from the episode:

• Culturally Responsive Assessment in Classrooms and Large-Scale Contexts

• Series on Assessment For Learning & Assessment of Learning

• Rubrics Series

• Street Data Series
  

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

Theme music by Millbrook High School’s Tremond 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 if how we learn is filtered through our culture?  In this episode, we kick off a new series inspired by the book Culturally Responsive Assessment in Classrooms and Large-Scale Contexts. We explore why it's crucial to think about the role of culture in assessment design and take a look back at the origins of culturally relevant pedagogy, given the interdependence between curriculum, pedagogy, and assessment. Join us as we start a conversation about making assessments more fair and accurate for all students.

Research & resources from the episode:

• Culturally Responsive Assessment in Classrooms and Large-Scale Contexts

• Center for Assessment’s blog on the book

• Edutopia: Assessment as a three-legged stool

• Psychometrician Gregory Cizek’s explanation of validity

• Culturally Responsive Teaching and the Brain by Dr. Zaretta Hammond 

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

The theme song was provided by Lukas Brandon from Green Hope High School

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

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

Ever wonder what goes into building a school from the ground up? In this episode, we're talking with Principal Katie Caggia about her experience opening a brand new school this year! She's sharing her secrets on how to use data to build school culture, the key information she gathered before the first bell rang, and the challenges of starting with a blank slate. Join us for an enlightening conversation as we learn more about leading when you’re starting from scratch. 
WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series. Learn more here.

The theme song was provided by Lukas Brandon from Green Hope High School

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

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

We wanted to share the trailer for the Work Smarter Not Harder podcast, which is hosted by our colleagues in DRA's Program Accountability team. You can access their feed on Spotify, Apple, and wherever else you get your podcasts.

Ever wondered how someone ends up leading a district’s data, research, and accountability work? In this episode, we chat with the Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Brad McMillen, about his path into the role, the biggest shifts he’s seen in how schools use data, and his advice for educators who want to make data work for them, not against them.

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 PontonHosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

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

We’re back for Season Six! After five seasons of deep dives into assessment and data literacy, we’re taking a moment to look back at the journey. Join us as we share the most impactful lessons we have learned - from insightful conversations with educational experts and district staff and students to uncovering research and best practices that can truly inform our work. This is more than a look back; it’s a springboard for what’s to come. Get ready for a new season packed with fresh perspectives and actionable insights!

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

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

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

In our season finale of Data Lit, we take a look back at some of the standout moments by highlighting key topics such as data literacy guidance, 4Cs strategies from students' perspectives, and the global landscape of standardized testing. You’ll enjoy clips from our favorite episodes, featuring insights from influential guest speakers, including the district superintendent and school-based testing coordinators. Join us for this reflective and insightful conclusion to an impactful season.

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

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Theme music: Lost by Leesville Road High School’s Will McAlarney

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

Research shows that the way assessments are administered plays a crucial role in ensuring their validity and reliability. In this episode, we sit down with three district Testing Coordinators—Lorrie Sardiello from Northwoods ES, Susan Cherry from Oberlin MS, and Joshua Gurkin from Apex HS—to unpack their role in the assessment cycle. We explore how they support test administration, empower both students and teachers, and contribute to building assessment literacy across their schools. Whether you're a new Testing Coordinator or a teacher considering stepping into this role, you’ll find practical insights and advice to help you get started and make an impact.
WCPSS staff can earn credit for listening to and reflecting on completed series. Learn more here.

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Theme music: Lost by Leesville Road High School’s Will McAlarney
Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

In this episode of Data Lit, we dive into the world of standardized testing, exploring how four countries—South Africa, Finland, Australia, and Singapore—develop and implement their assessments. We unpack the historical context, the educational philosophies behind their approaches, and the role that assessments play in shaping each system. Join us as we compare international perspectives and reflect on how standardized testing evolves in different cultural and political contexts.

Research & resources from the episode:

• Student Assessment in Eight Countries  (Ed Leadership, 2000)

• What Standardized Tests Look Like in 10 Places Around the World (Business Insider, 2018)

• Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA)

• National Standardized Assessments in South Africa by T. Chilenga-Butao et al (2021)

• National Center on Education and the Economy: Singapore 

• National Center on Education and the Economy: Finland
  

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

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Theme music: Lost by Leesville Road High School’s Will McAlarney
Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

Spring is here - a season of flowers, bunnies, and big decisions for high school seniors as they declare their college plans. In this episode of Data Lit, we sit down with Tim Carroll, Director of Special Projects for WCPSS’ Data, Research, and Accountability department, to explore how enrollment and degree-completion data from the National Student Clearinghouse (NSC) can reveal important trends about student persistence, transfers, and post-secondary success. Join us as we reflect on our own college aspirations, uncover key patterns in where our graduates are headed, and even test your knowledge on the top colleges they’re choosing. Plus, we’ll share a few data-informed tips to support students in their post-secondary journeys!

Research & resources from the episode:

• College Outcomes of WCPSS Graduates, 2006-2023 (for WCPSS employees)  

• College Navigator

• College Scorecard

• College Board: BigFuture

• College for North Carolina

• WCPSS employees: Sign up for office hours to discuss college outcomes data with Tim Carroll
  

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

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Theme music: Lost by Leesville Road High School’s Will McAlarney
Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System