Bridging the Gap Between Big Data and Student Stories with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan - Ep 8
🎙️ Who's on the Mic?
I'm chatting with Dr. Karen Dudek-Brannan, a former speech pathologist whose career has taken her from one-on-one student evaluations all the way to designing state-level data systems. She has a wide spectrum of experience, including working for the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services as a product manager. Karen is an expert in bridging the gap between clinical practice and systemic data initiatives, with a deep understanding of the human factor in both. Her work focuses on everything from language and literacy to executive functioning.
💬 Episode Snapshot
This conversation was a fascinating deep dive into a topic so many of us in education wrestle with: the skepticism and fear that data often inspires. Karen and I discussed how data's "bad rap" stems from its historical use as a punitive tool for accountability, creating what I like to call "data trauma". This resonates with my own belief that data should be a flag to guide inquiry, not a final verdict.
Karen shared invaluable insights from her doctoral research on metacognition and vocabulary, where she had to develop protocols to measure abstract concepts in a meaningful way. This led her to discover that data can be a powerful tool for defining interventions, ensuring implementation fidelity, and demonstrating progress. The key, she found, is to combine data with training and a clear plan. The lesson is clear: when we define what we're doing and find a way to measure it, we create an asset we can share with others.
We also explored the immense challenges of implementing change in a large, bureaucratic organization, which Karen compared to "steering the Titanic". We agreed that an iterative and collaborative approach is essential, emphasizing the need for feedback and buy-in from the people on the ground. It’s a conversation that proves the power of the "people-driven" philosophy, even when working with the biggest of big data.
💡 Key Takeaways
Data as a Bridge Not a Wall: Karen’s work highlights that data should act as a bridge between big-picture metrics and the nuanced, individual stories of students. A single data point is a starting point, not the entire narrative.
From Misuse to Meaning: We discussed how data's bad reputation is often due to its misuse. Instead of using a single score to make a final decision, we must use data as a "flag" to prompt further investigation and inform a holistic view of the student.
Executive Functioning Can Be Measured: Karen’s research demonstrates that even abstract concepts like metacognition and executive functioning can be defined and measured through a structured protocol, providing tangible data to inform interventions and demonstrate effectiveness.
The Power of Protocols: Creating clear protocols for interventions is not just for fidelity; it's a way to generate meaningful data that can be used to prove effectiveness, secure buy-in from colleagues, and scale successful strategies across a school or district.
Collaboration for the Win: In any organization, big or small, a leader's job is to bring people together. Karen's experience shows that change is most successful when it’s iterative and collaborative, ensuring all stakeholders feel heard and are invested in the solution.
🎬 Actionable Insights
Start with the "Why": When introducing any new data practice, clearly communicate the reason behind it. Frame the data as a tool for asking questions and finding solutions, not for making judgments.
Pilot with a Small Group: Instead of a top-down rollout, start a new initiative with a small pilot group. This allows for an iterative process, where you can gather feedback and prove the strategy's effectiveness before scaling up.
Define Your Metrics and Protocol: Whether you're tracking academic skills or social-emotional growth, create a clear protocol for your interventions. Define what you're doing and how you'll measure success so you can generate meaningful data that proves your efforts are working.
Don't Go It Alone: Even seasoned professionals can feel isolated when facing complex problems. Find a colleague or mentor to be your "thought partner" to help brainstorm, get new perspectives, and navigate challenges together.
Executive Functioning Guide: drkarendudekbrannan.com/efschools
7-Day Course: drkarendudekbrannan.com/schoolleaders
Karen’s Podcast: defactoleaders.com
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Connect with Karen Dudek-Brannan
Email: drkarenspeech@gmail.com
X: @drkaren2014
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/karen-dudek-brannan/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/drkarenspeech
defactoleaders.com
