Seduced and Abandoned: The Promises and Pitfalls of Data Dashboard Implementation

• In Event: Data Use Tools in Teacher Preparation and Practice

Abstract

The field of teacher education is investing in technology tools to facilitate data use for program improvement. However, studies indicate tool design and implementation often neglects human and organizational factors. This study followed the planning and — ultimately failed — implementation of a data dashboard (DDB) in an educator preparation program (EPP). We examined how the social, cultural, and material elements of the EPP intertwined with technical considerations of the DDB and identified important challenges such as lack of shared vision, overfocus on technical aspects, organizational policies that impeded progress, and insufficient communication structures within and across organizations. We argue that including users and attending to organizational structures is essential to creating tools that support data use for improvement.

Authors

• Maia Goodman Young, University of Washington - Seattle

• Christina Ellis, Sam Houston State University

• Marcelo R. Schmidt, Texas Tech University

• Chase Young, Sam Houston State University

• Charles A. Peck, University of Washington