Session Outline (60 minutes)
0–5 min — Welcome & aims
Set outcomes; brief poll: “Where do you get stuck—question, visuals, or takeaways?”
Engagement: show of hands or device poll (Mentimeter/Forms).
5–12 min — Why stories
3-minute mini-lecture on narrative + trust; one example.
Engagement: Think–Pair–Share (TPS): “What decision do you need to influence this year?”
12–20 min — The 4-step storyboard
Framework: Question → Evidence → Insight → Next Step.
Equity lens checklist (context, subgroups, limitations).
Engagement: micro-practice—participants map one decision to the 4 steps (card or template).
20–30 min — Visual clarity mini-makeovers
Chart choice for common PK–12 data (IAR/assessment, attendance, course outcomes).
Live makeover: cluttered chart → small multiples/ bars/ before-after.
Engagement: device poll to pick the clearest option; quick table talk.
30–40 min — Hands-on 1: Storyboard
Teams choose a scenario and fill the one-page storyboard.
Facilitator coaching; equity/interpretation prompts.
40–50 min — Hands-on 2: Visual + takeaways
Sketch/select a chart and write 3 plain-language takeaways (one for staff, one for families, one for board).
Engagement: peer critique using a 3-question rubric.
50–56 min — Share-outs
3–4 groups present 60-second stories; whole-room feedback.
56–60 min — Wrap & next steps
Summarize patterns; common pitfalls; “first action” plan.
Exit ticket (QR): commit one next step; collect resource links.
Engagement cadence & tactics
Interaction every 5–7 minutes.
Formats: think–pair–share, device polls, peer critique, brief presentations.
Materials: one-page storyboard template, chart selection guide, sentence starters, printable datasets.
Accessibility: high-contrast slides, alt text, plain language; invite multilingual phrasing for takeaways.
After this session, participants will be able to frame a clear question, choose visuals that fit common PK-12 datasets, build a brief storyboard from evidence to next step, and write plain-language takeaways for staff and families. Each attendee leaves with a one-page template and examples.
Datnow, A., & Park, V. Data-Driven Leadership. — How educators turn data into instructional decisions.
Hamilton, L. et al. IES Practice Guide: Using Student Achievement Data to Support Instructional Decision Making. — Evidence-based steps for school teams.
Marsh, J. A., Pane, J. F., & Hamilton, L. S. RAND: Making Sense of Data-Driven Decision Making in Education. — What helps/hinders data use.
Schildkamp, K., & Poortman, C. — Factors that promote effective, collaborative data use in schools.
Wayman, J. C. — Organizational supports for sustainable data practices in districts.
Knaflic, C. N. Storytelling with Data. — Audience-focused charting and narrative.
Evergreen, S. D. H. Effective Data Visualization. — Practical chart selection and makeovers.
Cairo, A. The Truthful Art. — Ethical, accurate communication of evidence.
Greenbrook, K. The Data Storyteller’s Handbook. — Practical techniques for crafting clear data stories for nontechnical audiences.
Tufte, E. R. The Visual Display of Quantitative Information. — Principles for clarity and integrity in visuals.
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