A Collaborative Model to Support K-12 Pre-Service Teachers’ Data-Based Decision Making in Schools: Integrating Data Discussions across Stakeholders, Spaces, and Subjects

Abstract

ABSTRACT Current teacher preparation programs have received scrutiny for failing to sufficiently support teachers in valuing and developing their knowledge of data literacy. The current study explores a collaborative approach to increasing pre-service teachers’ experiences with data literacy by including under-utilized data experts: school psychologists. Drawing from research on data literacy, activity theory perspectives of horizontal expertise, and field-based models, this study aims to inform teacher preparation curriculum and improve pre-service teacher data literacy. Using survey data, results indicate that pre-service teachers who participated in this K-12 field-based collaborative model increased their beliefs, understandings, and value of data, with the most growth found in confidence and understanding of school-wide data and problem-solving approaches.