Data Wise Improvement Process

The Data Wise Framework has evolved over two decades of collaboration between researchers and practitioners around the world who are committed to using collaborative data inquiry to improve outcomes for learners of all ages. The framework includes:
 

• The Data Wise “swoosh” containing the 8-step improvement process.
• The ACE Habits of Mind that form the foundation on which improvement work rests.
• The “halo” of equity questions that prompt reflection to ensure that each learner thrives.
• The System Wise approach which is grounded in practices that are essential for scaling improvement.
   

The steps of the improvement process occur in three phases:

• The “Prepare” phase involves creating and maintaining a culture in which staff members can collaborate effectively and use data responsibly. 
• In the “Inquire” phase, educators use a wide range of data sources to identify a specific problem of practice that they are committed to solving. 
• In the “Act” phase, teams articulate how they will learn and employ high-leverage strategies to address their problem, and how they will assess the extent to which the plan improved outcomes they care about.  

After educators assess the effectiveness of their actions, they can both identify needed adjustments to their plan and determine the focus for the next cycle of collaborative inquiry.

The ACE Habits of Mind work against “bad habits” that can lead to inequitable outcomes for learners.