Leading Under Pressure: Scholar-Practitioner Research on Equity-Minded Data Use

Session Type: Symposium

Abstract

In today’s politically charged environment, using data to promote equity in education is both essential and fraught. This symposium brings together scholar-practitioners to explore how data practices can support equity in schools and systems. Presenters investigate how data practices can be reimagined to challenge systemic inequities in areas such as Advanced Placement (AP) access, special education referrals, family engagement, district leadership, and data coaching. A critical framing presentation sets the stage by highlighting the risks and possibilities of equity-minded data use. An interactive closing invites participants to reflect on histories of harm, imagine inclusive data futures, and share commitments. Together, the session reclaims data as a tool for justice, collaboration, and transformative leadership.

Sub Unit

• SIG-Data-Driven Decision Making in Education

Chair

• Vincent Cho, Boston College

Papers

• Data Use for Equity, Data Use for Hope: Finding Opportunity in Trying Times - Stephanie L. Dodman, George Mason University

• Exploring the Ecology of Equity and Data: A Multilevel District Case - Sarah Jay, Boston Public Schools; Ondrea Johnston, Boston Public Schools; Lindsay Mosca, Boston College; Tiffany Ostrander; Vincent Cho, Boston College

• Access and Opportunity: Factors Influencing AP Enrollment for Black and Hispanic/Latino Students - Corey Dwyer, Beacon High School; Elizabeth Leisy Stosich, Fordham University

• Improving problem-solving team activity in an urban elementary school: An improvement science study - Jamie Henderson, Indiana University; Chad Lochmiller, Indiana University

Session Organizer

• Vincent Cho, Boston College

Discussant

• Jo Beth Jimerson, Texas Christian University