Data Lit

Performance assessments can be a productive way for students to show their growth in the 4Cs (critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication). To dig deeper into this assessment method, we’re re-airing our discussion on performance assessments from November of 2020. Before and after that segment, we connect these ideas to what students told us throughout our 4Cs series. 

Research & resources from the episode:

• Jay McTighe: What is a performance task?

• Grant Wiggins: Seven keys to effective feedback

• Educational Leadership: Good feedback is targeted, specific, timely

• DRA Video on the cognitive science principle of Interleaving

• Stiggins, R.J. Arter, J.A., Chappuis, J. & Chappuis, S. (2006). Classroom Assessment for Student Learning: Doing It Right-Using it Well. Portland, OR: ETS

• Wren, D. G., & Garies, C. R. (201 9). Assessing deeper learning: Developing, implementing, and scoring performance tasks (1st ed.). Lanham, MD :Rowman & Littlefield Publishers, Inc.

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 final episode of our series on integrating the 4Cs, we turn to the experts—our students. Through their own words, they remind us that learning is social, that authenticity matters, and that engagement is key. Their advice challenges us as educators to always create learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom where collaboration, critical thinking, communication, and creativity come to life in meaningful ways. Tune in for a powerful reflection on what students need most from their teachers.

Research & resources from the episode:

• ASCD: Making School Worth Kids’ Time

• National Geographic - Your Kids Want to be Social

• Center for Assessment - Teaching & Assessing 21st Century Skills: A Focus on Student Agency

• World Economic Forum: Future of Jobs Report 

• Kids Speak on Engagement

• DRA Video on the Amygdala

• Researching Social-Emotional Learning: An interview with Dr. Hamilton-Simmons from Counseling & Student Services

• 4Cs K-12 Continuum  

• 4Cs Single-Point Rubrics 
  

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, we explore how the 4Cs—critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and communication—can be nurtured outside the classroom. Featuring clips from students presenting their GIS mapping projects, we highlight moments where they have applied these skills to their research on real-world problems. We also discuss how extracurricular activities and out-of-classroom experiences play a vital role in building these competencies. Tune in to see how learning goes beyond the classroom walls to prepare our students for the future.

Research & resources from the episode:

• WakeConnect Spotlight on Geospatial Analytics

• 4Cs K-12 Continuum  

• 4Cs Single-Point Rubrics  

• Data Lit’s Assessment Methods Series 

• Data Lit’s Rubrics Series
  

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, we listen to real student voices as they share how their teachers bring the 4Cs—critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity—into everyday lessons across different subjects. Join us as we react to their insights, discuss the impact of these skills on student engagement, and explore how fostering the 4Cs can make learning more meaningful and exciting. Tune in to hear why integrating these essential skills isn’t just good teaching—it can be a game-changer for student interest and success!

Research & resources from the episode:

• 4Cs K-12 Continuum  

• 4Cs Single-Point Rubrics  

• Jay McTighe’s Performance Task Blog Series 

• Data Lit’s Assessment Types Series

• Data Lit’s Assessment Methods Series

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’sWill McAlarney
Data, Research, and Accountability department forthe Wake County Public School System

WCPSS’ mission is to “provide a relevant and engaging education and will graduate students who are collaborative, creative, effective communicators and critical thinkers.” This episode introduces our exploration of why these 4Cs are so essential to preparing our students to lead productive lives in a complex and changing world. We define each of the 4Cs, discuss potential challenges to measuring them, and finally offer a solution to the challenges which we will explore in subsequent episodes. 

Research & resources from the episode:

 A Critical Review of Assessments of Creativity in Education 

ASCD: Making School Worth Kids’ Time

World Economic Forum: Our education system is losing relevance. Here's how to unleash its potential

Torrens University: What are the 4Cs of 21st-century learning skills?

NCDPI Portrait of a Graduate

NCDPI’s 4 million Skills for the Future Grant

4Cs K-12 Continuum  

4Cs Single-Point Rubrics

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 special episode of Data Lit, we are joined by our very own Dr. Tambryme Hamilton-Simmons (Counseling & Student Services Department) as she shares her research on the effects of social-emotional learning practices on student behavior. One unexpected outcome experienced during her research was the impact of the pandemic on her sample size. Since disruptions can and do play a role when conducting research, you will also hear from Dr. Meghan Scrimgeour on our Program Accountability team to learn strategies and ideas to consider to help minimize any “left-turns” that might occur.

Research & Resources from the episode:

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

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

The theme song for this episode is Dreamscapes by Ligon Middle School's Alex Scott

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

It's time for your favorite annual tradition: Data Lit's Holiday Extravaganza! This year, we're joined by a special guest: Data, Research, and Accountability's own Daniel Bunce. We each give the gift of data by sharing surprising WCPSS facts, then quiz each other on holiday trivia. Play along at home to see if you can beat our hosts!

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

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Theme music provided by Ballentine Elementary School's Eva & Indiana Ziegler

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

In our latest Data Bytes episode, we sit down with Paula de Lucca, Senior Director of Child Nutrition Services to explore how data fuels her mission to feed thousands of students every day in our district. Discover how her team expertly balances cost control and meal service to operate as a self-supporting enterprise. She also reveals the number one menu item students can't get enough of and shares strategies for managing rising food costs while ensuring every student is well-fed and ready to learn.

Research & Resources from the episode:

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

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Theme music provided by Ligon Middle School’s Alex Scott

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

In this episode, we spotlight districts and states across the country that are leading the way in data governance and data visualization. From setting standards for data privacy and integrity to creating accessible, visually engaging dashboards, we’ll dive into real examples of how others are making data both secure and actionable. Listeners will hear practical strategies from districts tackling these challenges head-on, learning how clear data governance and effective visualization can empower teachers, engage parents, and ultimately drive student success. Tune in and be ready to glean a new idea or two!

Research & resources from the episode:

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

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Theme music provided by Ligon Middle School’s Alex Scott
Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System

In this episode, we’ll draw inspiration from the excitement around the upcoming World Cup to explore how data literacy looks different depending on the audience. Just as referees, players, and fans all approach the game with distinct perspectives and information needs, so too do teachers, students, and parents when it comes to data in education. We’ll discuss why teachers need deep analysis for instructional planning, parents need clear data snapshots to support their kids, and students benefit from understanding their own performance metrics. Join us as we break down these roles, highlighting practical data literacy skills for each audience to better "prepare for the game" of academic success.

Research & Resources from the episode:

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

Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler

Theme music provided by Ligon Middle School’s Alex Scott
Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System