Databusting Autumn 2019

Launching The Databusters, crunching numbers on SEND and more data literacy

I’m extremely pleased to be able to announce that James Pembroke, data guru extraordinaire, and I have launch The Databusters – a new venture supporting teachers and schools in their drive to develop data literacy and to improve the use of data in the school system. James has unparalleled knowledge of all things statutory data and I bring my teaching experience and knowledge of testing and statistics; together we hope to keep on working on our joint mission to demystify and improve the use of data in the school system.

We’re currently preparing a series of training events around the UK and have recently recorded and published the first in our new monthly podcasts: Databusters. Episode 1 looks at the revised Ofsted Education Inspection Framework, developments to the Inspection Data Summary Report and the first in our ‘What everyone needs to know about’ series, which looks as standardised scores.

The podcast is currently available on Spotify and Anchor, and will be rolling out onto other platforms over the coming weeks.

As part of my work with the Driver Youth Trust, this summer Karen Wespieser and I looked closely at SEND statistics and what these mean for the school system. We presented our findings at the Hallam Festival of Education, ResearchEd Rugby and the Festival of Education and I have contributed a chapter to the forthcoming researchED Guide to SEND.

In November, I am in Manchester and Central London running sessions on  Understanding and using standardised assessment and standardised scores to support teaching and learning for Rising Stars – places are booking up, so put it in your diary and I hope to see you there.

If you'd like to know more about Databusting for Schools or The Databusters, please get in touch.