The value of perception data with Principal Juley Sexton
From Data Lit by Data, Research, and Accountability
April 20, 2026 · 23 min · Season 6 · Episode 15
About this episode
Principal Juley Sexton discusses the importance of perception data in school improvement and how to ensure all voices are heard.
In our last episode, we explored why perception data is the "missing link" in school improvement. Today, we move from theory to the front lines of leadership, as we are joined by Juley Sexton, principal of A.B. Combs Magnet Elementary. As a leader who doesn't just collect data, but intentionally builds her school’s growth around it, Principal. Sexton shares her honest perspective on the challenge to get everyone to the table and the creative ways she ensures that even the quietest voices are heard. This episode is about how to make every piece of feedback count toward a better school environment. Research & resources from the episode: WakeConnect Student Engagement Survey post (for WCPSS staff) WCPSS post on Family Survey 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 Ponton Hosts: Mellisa Smith and Spencer Ziegler Contact us via our website or at datalit@wcpss.net Data, Research, and Accountability department for the Wake County Public School System
People in this episode
Hosts: Mellisa Smith, Spencer Ziegler
Guest: Juley Sexton
Topics covered
- perception data
- school improvement
- leadership
- feedback
- student engagement
Keywords
- perception data
- school leadership
- feedback
- student engagement survey
- school environment
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: A.B. Combs Magnet Elementary, Wake County Public School System
More episodes of Data Lit
- Looking Back and Dreaming Big · May 18, 2026 · 19 min
- Testing Across the USA · April 29, 2026 · 32 min
- Using Perception Data to Unlock the Human Side of School · April 6, 2026 · 30 min
- It’s elementary, my dear listener: Investigating elementary school library policy · March 23, 2026 · 39 min
- Assessing the Head, Heart, and Hands of Civic Learning · March 9, 2026 · 22 min
- Equitable Grading Principles to Ensure Precision and Fairness in Classrooms · February 23, 2026 · 30 min
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