Professional Concentration in
Data Use for School Improvement

Key to improving student learning is the capacity to make effective use of data to inform instruction and programmatic planning. In the Professional Concentration in Data Use for School Improvement, you'll gain an in-depth understanding of educational assessment and advance your ability to apply data-informed decision-making in the classroom, school and district.

Expand your understanding of education data and use

• Become a critical user of data who understands the power and limitations of data, and knows what, when and why to question education data and research.
• Establish a strong conceptual and practical understanding of data analysis.
• Learn to identify trends and patterns at various levels of aggregation.
• Study technical aspects of data use, as well as how to develop and lead a culture of continuous improvement.
• Network with fellow learners in the classroom and online, with ample opportunities for collaboration and consultation.

Designed for professionals like you

This program is intended for school and district level staff members who seek an in-depth understanding of education assessment and data-informed decision-making, and are in a position to serve as instructional leaders, coaches, mentors and critical users of data in schools, districts and county offices. This may include: principals, assistant principals, master teachers, district data coordinators, school data leaders, and curriculum and instruction coordinators.

Program requirements

The Data Use for School Improvement professional concentration award is earned upon successful completion of four required courses with at least a "B" average in program coursework. Applying coursework towards an award also requires a grade of "C" or better in each course. Individual courses are also open for enrollment, however we strongly recommend completing the whole series as the courses are designed to build upon and complement one another.

To establish candidacy for the award, you must submit an application and pay the nonrefundable application fee. Applications are due prior to enrolling in the third course of the program. Once you complete the last course in the program, please submit a Notice of Completion. This action prompts our offices to review your file and take the necessary steps to get your certificate mailed in a timely manner.

Quarterly schedule of courses

		UNITS	F	W	SP	SU
REQUIRED COURSES	Assessment and Testing Literacy	3
	Using Formative Assessment to Improve Instruction	3
	Using Data to Support School Improvement	3
	Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement	3
F=Fall W=Winter SP=Spring SU=Summer; Schedules subject to change Classroom format Online Learning format

Required Courses

Assessment and Testing Literacy

3 quarter units academic credit, X364.0.

A foundational course in assessment and testing concepts in K-12 education, this class will expand your understanding of different types of assessments, factors influencing interpretation of assessment results and other education data, how different forms of data can be interpreted, and how such interpretations can be used to guide instructional improvement and other school and district level decision making. Examine testing and assessment issues as they apply to special populations of learners, including English Language Learners and students with special needs.

This course is not currently scheduled.

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Using Formative Assessment to Improve Instruction

3 quarter units academic credit, X364.2.

Leverage the impact of teaching by developing your understanding of how formative assessment can be used to provide timely and ongoing feedback that informs teaching and learning in individual classrooms and school sites. Learn what distinguishes assessment of learning and assessment for learning. Explore a variety of strategies and techniques for embedding assessment of students throughout the instructional process to make more immediate impacts on student learning outcomes-from minute-by-minute checks for understanding to more elaborate feedback models. Understand how to plan the assessment process, develop learning progressions, identify appropriate assessment strategies and techniques, use data to support effective, differentiated instructional approaches, as well as foster a learning community in the classroom.

Sections of this course open for enrollment:

• Using Formative Assessment to Improve Instruction    starts August 6

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Using Data to Support School Improvement

3 quarter units academic credit, X364.3.

Build your competencies in using data to inform educational decision-making at the programmatic level, with an emphasis on student learning. Develop and practice skills to analyze and interpret data by program area, department or subgroup. Learn to recognize patterns and trends in data at different levels of aggregation and evaluate the impact of programs, policies and investments. Examine broader concepts of school quality that incorporate other desired outcomes of public education, such as opportunities for learning, student health and well-being, and school climate.

This course is not currently scheduled.

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Creating a Culture of Continuous Improvement

3 quarter units academic credit, X364.4.

Learn how to create and support a culture of continuous improvement at the classroom, school and district levels. Topics include: engaging and communicating with stakeholders; facilitating buy-in from a wide range of entities; acquiring and coordinating the resources necessary to support data use by teachers and principals; change management in the field of education; identifying and addressing fears about data use; and navigating the political intersection between data analysis and teacher evaluation.

This course is not currently scheduled.

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