
Using Perception Data to Unlock the Human Side of School
From Data Lit by Data, Research, and Accountability
April 6, 2026 · 30 min · Season 6 · Episode 14
About this episode
This episode explores how to effectively gather and use perception data to enhance the human side of school data.
While test scores and attendance rates tell us what is happening in our buildings, they rarely tell us why . In this episode of Data Lit, we explore how to unlock the "human side" of school data by effectively gathering and using perception data. Join us as we break down the essential framework for moving beyond "just another survey" to creating a culture of authentic feedback. So, whether you are a classroom teacher, a school principal, or a district leader, this episode provides a six-step roadmap to ensure every voice in your school community is not just heard, but more importantly, every voice is valued. Research & resources from the episode: Victoria Bernhard - Multiple Measures of Data Data Lit Episode on Multiple Measures WakeConnect Student Engagement Survey post (for WCPSS staff) Best Practices for Developing Surveys FOURcast Edutopia - 6 Steps for Implementing Student Surveys Edutopia - The Value of Soliciting Student Feedback Center For Assessment - Using School and Classroom Climate Surveys to Improve Learning Environments Harvard University - Tip Sheet on Question Wording Educational Leadership - Don’t Just Gather Data, Use It WCPSS staff can…
People in this episode
Hosts: Mellisa Smith, Spencer Ziegler
Topics covered
- perception data
- school culture
- authentic feedback
- student engagement
- data utilization
- educational leadership
Keywords
- perception data
- school feedback
- student surveys
- data framework
- educational data
- school community
- authentic feedback
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Wake County Public School System, Harvard University, Edutopia, Center For Assessment, WCPSS
More episodes of Data Lit
- Looking Back and Dreaming Big · May 18, 2026 · 19 min
- Testing Across the USA · April 29, 2026 · 32 min
- The value of perception data with Principal Juley Sexton · April 20, 2026 · 23 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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