Data literacy

Note the admissions committee carefully reviews the essay in response to advanced standards and quality of writing and critical thinking at the advanced level. The essay is one of several indicators weighted equally along with the GPA and licensure utilized by each respective Advanced Program Advisory Committee for recommendations to  WCOE advanced programs and potential academic success.

In the process of applying to a graduate program in education (Educational Leadership, Educational Diagnostician, School Counseling), you will begin transitioning out of the classroom into a more advanced role. One criterion for admission to a graduate program in education is the graduate essay that demonstrates your commitment to your particular field of study. Qualified faculty will assess the essay based on the criteria in the provided rubric. Please respond to the following prompt regarding your knowledge, skills, and professional dispositions (400-500 words).

Data literacy (i.e., integrating assessment practice and accurately communicating student learning), technology applications across many areas of schools, and research should be driving many of the policies and procedures evident in schools. A school, in theory, should employ data analysis and use evidence to support the school environment with teachers, administrators, and community organizations participating in this process under the lens of the professional dispositions, policies, code of ethics, and professional standards across not only the teaching profession but other specializations as well (i.e., school counselors, principals, diagnosticians). Therefore, provide your perceptions with these issues addressing the specific questions below. The questions are there as guiding points. Your narrative should address them without responding to each individual question (i.e., do not write a response to each question, just a couple of paragraphs that address all aspects of the prompts)

  • In what ways should data literacy (i.e., integrating assessment practice and accurately communicating student learning), technology applications, and your understanding of the research (quantitative and/or qualitative) behind school-based decision making impact your daily tasks?
  • In what ways should a school employ data analysis and evidence to support the school environment?
  • In what ways should you, now and in the future, take the lead and/or participate in collaborative activities related to criteria identified in the above prompt?
  • In what ways should your professional dispositions and code of ethics affect your work?