#  About 

 



### Our History 

 

The seeds for what was to become the Data Wise Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education were planted in 2001 when Richard Murnane brought together researchers from HGSE and practitioners from the Boston Public Schools to explore how data inquiry could bring measurable improvements to teaching and learning. From the start, the project focused on a collaborative approach that allowed all voices to be heard and all stakeholders to participate. Today, seven courses at the Harvard Graduate School of Education, six books, and over 100 Certified Data Wise Coaches are bringing the power of Data Wise to schools and educational systems around the world.



 



      ![A flag on campus that reads "learn to change the world"](/sites/g/files/omnuum4951/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-02/About%20Campus.jpg?itok=qs2OIDAS) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

### Our Process 

 

The Data Wise Project developed the Data Wise Improvement Process (DWIP), an eight-step proprietary system to organize a school's core work around data-driven improvement. DWIP includes not only the “big data” of high-stakes tests but also the “street data” collected through classroom observation and information about lived experiences gathered from students and their families. It builds relationships, strengthens teams, and brings all voices to the table. And through action, assessment, and adjustment, it creates constant improvement.



 



      ![Participants collaborate on sticky notes on a window during an on campus institute.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4951/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-02/Process%201.jpg?itok=Vw6iZaJ_) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

### Our Programs 

 

Data Wise creates courses and publications designed to help educators and administrators learn and implement the Data Wise Improvement Process in classrooms, schools, and educational systems. We’d be glad to help you develop a plan for employing any or all of these resources to bring Data Wise to your classroom, school, or system.



 [  arrow\_forward  Browse courses. ](/programs) [  arrow\_forward  Browse publications. ](/resources) 

 



      ![Smiling participant mid program.](/sites/g/files/omnuum4951/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/2025-02/About%20Programs.jpg?itok=3wFUrRdi) 

 

 

  

 



 

 

 

### Our People 

 

Our team includes leading voices on teaching, professional development, the collaborative use of data in learning, strategic thinking, educational equity, and educators from around the world. In their work, they reflect the relentless data focus, the commitment to continuous improvement, and the drive for equity that Data Wise was created to foster.



 [  arrow\_forward  Meet the team. ](/meet-team) [  arrow\_forward  Find a certfiied coach. ](/coaches-0) 

 



      ![DW participants having a discussion while seated at a table in front of screen with "Problems of Practice" visible](/sites/g/files/omnuum4951/files/styles/hwp_1_1__480x480/public/datawise/files/hero-image-group-in-session.jpg?itok=oIlNJBiR)