Leading Change with Data and CollaborationKatheryn GonzalesSpe.docx

Leading Change with Data and Collaboration
Katheryn Gonzales
Specialist in Early Childhood Education, Walden University
EDSD 7900: Capstone Project – Winter 2022
Dr. Sandra Johnson
December 18, 2022Leading Change with Data and Collaboration
Data-informed decision-making and collaborative efforts
can lead to positive change within a community. Grand City
Task Force is an excellent example of teams working together to
use longitudinal data to collaborate with community leaders to
make a positive impact. Mayor Keller brought together a task
force to acknowledge the growth and change within the city due
to the number of refugees in the community. The growth that
Grand City is experiencing has led to some challenges, like
school crowding, the need for additional community services,
and a more comprehensive range of educational approaches
(Walden University, 2017a). Each task force member came to
the table with longitudinal data for the team to interpret and
analyze to make the necessary changes to improve Grand City. I
am fortunate to work on this task force with Mayor Keller and
other community members.
My name is Katie Gonzales. I am the Early Childhood
Education Specialist working on Mayor Keller’s task force in
Grand city. I am excited to work with Mayor Keller on this task
force because I believe in offering early childhood education
through quality preschool and childcare for the families in
Grand City. Research suggests that children who attend high-
quality early childhood education programs are more likely to
be prepared for academic grades later, less likely to repeat a
grade, be less likely to be identified with special needs, more
likely to graduate from high school, and become higher earners
in the workforce (Association, 2021). To properly understand
what Grand City needs in terms of its youngest members, the
task force must look at the data to determine how to impact the

community positively. Data alone does not secure change.
However, data in action has the potential to unlock positive
change. To enact data in action, the task force will need to
collect, analyze, and organize data, combined with stakeholder
understanding and knowledge, to become actionable. The
process of data in action is a continuous cycle of collection,
interpretation, and synthesis to support ongoing change (March
& Farrell, 2015). Actionable data alone is not the only aspect of
data that works to create positive change. Communicating and
becoming transparent about data and its use leads to building
trust among stakeholders (Guidera, 2015).
Collaboration is also essential for making meaningful
changes within a community. Collaboration allows diverse
groups of people to come together, utilizing differing
perspectives and skills to promote productivity to create change
(Morel, 2014). Collaboration begins by improving relationships
among different community groups, as in the Grand City Task
Force case. Coming together to collaborate allows the task force
to build trust, communicate about shared goals, and create
social cohesion and capital among the community leaders
(Fullan, 2016). Collaboration begins with strong leaders who
exert influence amongst their peers. Strong leaders will
encourage collaboration by frequently meeting to discuss
positive outcomes and work to develop systems that will lead to
organizational change.
Data-informed decision-making requires collaboration
among all stakeholders invested in making a positive change in
Grand City. To utilize data-informed decision-making, districts
and communities must utilize data from cross-specialization
groups and identify leaders within each group to use and
analyze the data. After collecting data, the team will need to
create tools to generate actionable data, create time for groups
to collaborate to interpret and analyze data, provide
professional development and technical support, and provide
tools for acting on data (Means et al., 2009). By working with
other specializations, Grand City will make a positive, lasting

impact on the community while building trusting relationships
that work together with a common goal.
To summarize, collaboration is one of the key elements in
leading a change initiative. With collaboration tied with data-
informed decision-making, Grand City and other communities
can have a lasting positive impact. The team will collaborate to
collect, analyze, interpret, and act on data while building a
trusting relationship that creates social cohesion.
References
Association, N. E. (2021, December 2).
Early Childhood Education | NEA. Www.nea.org.
https://www.nea.org/advocating-for-change/action-center/our-
issues/early-childhood-education
Fullan, M. (2016). The new meaning of educational change (5th
ed.). New York, NY: Teachers
College Press.
Guidera, A. R. (2015). Parents need access to education data -
and need to know it’s secure.
PHI
DELTA KAPPAN, 96(5), 8–12.
Marsh, J. & Farrell, C. (2015).
How leaders can support teachers with data-driven
decision making: A framework for understanding capacity
building. Links to an external site.Educational Management
Administration & Leadership, 43(2), 269-289.
doi:10.1177/1741143214537229
Means, B., Padilla, C., DeBarger, A., & Bakia, M. (2009).
Implementing Data-Informed Decision Making in
Schools—Teacher Access, Supports and Use. Ed.gov.
https://www2.ed.gov/rschstat/eval/tech/data-informed-
decision/data-informed-decision.doc

Morel, N. J. (2014). Setting the Stage for Collaboration: An
Essential Skill for Professional
Growth.
Delta Kappa Gamma Bulletin, 81(1), 36–39.
Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2017a).
Grand City opening task force meeting [Video
file]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
1
Amanda M. Puryear
Educational Specialist in Curriculum, Instruction, and
Assessment
EDSD 7900: Creating and Supporting Effective Educational
Practice
Dr. S. Johnson
December 25th, 2022
Hi, and welcome to Leading Change with Data and
Collaboration. Today we will be driving into initiation change
in your community by being an agent of change.

Who am I?
My name is Amanda Puryear, and I am currently working with
Grand City to identify areas of improvement in the school
system. This is my 11th year in education, and my
specialization is in curriculum and instruction in the k12
setting, specifically in history and social studies. I am also the
lead teacher in the Hearne ISD Educational Preparation
program.
Agenda
So, during this presentation, we will discuss what it means to be
an agent of change in your community, knowing your targets
and goals, the importance of collaboration across specialties,
and the importance of data to your mission to bring change. Our
efforts in Grand City will serve as our anchoring example of
how to initiate change in your community.
Agents of Change
So first off, what does it mean to be an agent of change?
Change is such an intricate part of life that we do not recognize
that change is even happening. However, "change rarely occurs
without an advocate (Fullan, 2016, p. 61)". Being an agent of
change means that you identify a problem and actively seek a
solution through collaboration and data-informed decision-
making to make your community and world better. But it is not
just about you and your mission. Being an agent of change
means that you balance the subjective realities to find the best
solution for everyone, a shared meaning to change (Fullan,
2016). There are also many different many to be an agent of
change. There are six different types of change agents ranging
from the ultra-committed change-makers that dedicate their
lives to leading positive social change down to casual
contributors who see social change as important but probably
are not likely to make it a lifelong commitment (Walden
University, 2013).
Changes in Grand City
Let's turn our attention to Grand City. Over the past 5 years,
Grand City has experienced positive changes resulting from the

influx of refugees from Riza. However, we are also identifying
areas of growth that need to be addressed. In Grand City
schools, we have seen a rise in our population of minority
students from 61% to 75% (Walden University, 2016b). We
have also experienced a rise in official referrals and suspensions
(Walden University, 2016b). When reviewing the data, we asked
ourselves two probing questions: Does our curriculum meet the
needs of all our students? and Do our discipline policies fit our
students?
Our Targets
After coming together and reviewing the data, we pinpointed
our targets to lead to positive student outcomes. Due to the rise
of diversity in our schools and community, we want to increase
the use of culturally relevant teaching practices, and to help to
ease the number of office referrals and suspensions, we want to
implement restorative justice practices.
Collaboration without Boundaries
Agents of change rarely get the job done by themselves; they
have a team behind them. So, to address our targets and create
meaningful change, collaboration across specializations is
needed. By bringing people together from all walks of life, we
can create well-rounded solutions that are right for all
stakeholders. The presence of collaboration also shifts the
mindset of the accountability of the change from "mine" to
"ours" and creates an internal accountability system for success
among the group (Fullan, 2016). So, looking back at Grand
City, our targets of culturally relevant teaching and restorative
practices will need experts in social-emotional learning,
curriculum, and of course, our community. These experts will
use their talents to represent all stakeholders and bring to the
table solutions that satisfy everyone's needs.
Importance of Data for Change
How do we justify our mission? Well, the proof is in the data.
Data gathering and interpretation help display the system's
strengths and weaknesses. This, in combination with
stakeholder understanding and the expertise of the collaborative

group, information can become actionable knowledge to initiate
and implement plans for change (marsh & Farrell, 2015). Data
also eliminates the guesswork and provides proof of your
action. So, instead of making blind reactions, we can justify our
actions, "because the data says this, we will take this course of
action. Again, in Grand City, we will use multiple data sources
to guide our decision-making process. We will use cultures and
climate surveys, office referral rates, suspension rates, and
post-intervention surveys. By reviewing this data, we will be
able to make the best decisions possible for our students,
Bringing into Focus
So, bringing everything into focus. Number 1, anyone can be an
agent of change; it does not require any special training; you
just have to believe in your cause. Second, you need to find
your team and trust your team. You have collected a group of
experts to help; now allow them to use their expertise, which
goes beyond just your action team; this can also include your
teachers and staff who are "in the trenches." And lastly, have
your proof, and your proof is your data. Your data is going to
help guide the process of change and also motivate others to
join your cause. Good Luck!

References
Fullan, M. (2016).
The new meaning of educational change (5th ed.). New
York, NY: Teachers
College Press.
decision
making: A framework for understanding capacity building.
Educational Management
Administration & Leadership, 43(2), 269-289.
doi:10.1177/1741143214537229
Reed, M. (2015).
To find solutions, look inward. Educational Leadership,
72(9), 80-85.
Walden University, LLC. (2013, December 10)
New walden university study reveals six distinct
types of social change agents around the world. Walden News.
https://www.waldenu.edu/news-and-events/walden-
news/2013/1210-waldenu-reveals-soc
ial-change-
agents#:~:text=As%20revealed%20in%20Walden%20University
,Contributors
%20and%20Social%20Change%20Spectators.

Walden University, LLC. (Producer). (2016b).
Grand City education and demographic data files
[PDF]. Baltimore, MD: Author.
2
Respond to at least two of your colleagues by explaining 2–3
concepts or strategies related to change, data-driven decision
making, or leadership that you observed from watching your
colleagues’ videos that resonate with your current professional
practices. Then, explain why these concepts or strategies strike
you as invigorating and potentially innovative and how you
might apply them in your own educational setting.
Video transcripts are attached in attachments to go along with
their posts…
Amanda Puryear
Dec 19, 2022Dec 19 at 7:56am
Manage Discussion EntryModule 3 Discussion 1: DATA AND
COLLABORATION FOR SOCIAL CHANGE
Agents of change advocate for changes that better their
community and, on a grander stage, the world. Fullan (2016)
says that change is such an intricate part of life that we do not
recognize that it is happening. Without agents, innovation
would be left either unguided or misguided by adverse
individuals. Agents help bring individuals together to steer
educational change in the best possible direction that benefits
all stakeholders. Collaboration among cross-specialization
individuals to initiate change is essential to successful change.
Bringing together individuals from diverse backgrounds creates
well-rounded solutions to problems and provides sustainability
to initiatives by growing the group's professional capital
(Fullan, 2016). Collaboration also adds a level of accountability

for choices made by the group or its members. According to
Fullan (2016), the mindset of efforts changes from "mine" to
"ours" as the collaborative group becomes more invested and
takes ownership of the change.
In order to lead collaborative groups, agents of change must
establish trust. When trust is present, success can thrive.
According to Covey (2009), trust starts with building
credibility in oneself as a leader and extending trust to their
team. The use of data is essential to the building of credibility.
Gathering and interpreting data help display the system's
strengths and weaknesses. This interpretation, in combination
with stakeholder understanding agents of change and
collaborative groups, can turn this information into actionable
knowledge to make informed decisions, eliminate the
guesswork, and provide proof of action, to guide change (Marsh
& Farrell, 2015). A second strategy for effective leadership is
establishing a mission, vision, values, and goals and honoring
them in the organization. These elements of organizations are
created to provide clarity to stakeholders about the
organization's purpose and actions (Gurley et al., 2014). By
creating and utilizing these elements, stakeholders are provided
with transparency leading to more trust in the organization.
References
Covey, S. (2009).
How the best leaders build trust
Links to an external site.. LeadershipNow. Retrieved
from http://www.leadershipnow.com/CoveyOnTrust.ht
Fullan, M. (2016).
York, NY:Teachers College Press.
Gurley, D.K., Peters, G.B., & Collins, L. (2015).
Mission, vision, values, and goals: An
Links to an external site.exploration of key
organizational statements and daily practice in schools

Links to an external site.. J
ournal of Educational Change, 16(2), 217-242.
doi:10.1007/s10833-014-9229-x
decision
Links to an external site.making: A framework for
understanding capacity building.
Links to an external site.Educational
Management Administration & Leadership, 43(2), 269-289.
doi:10.1177/1741143214537229
Katheryn Gonzales
Dec 20, 2022Dec 20 at 10:49am
Manage Discussion Entry
Becoming an educational leader of change is necessary
when making a positive impact in education. As teachers,
administration, and other stakeholders come together with a
shared goal in mind they realize the system is “them”, we are
the system. To motivate others in our field we need to use data
to motivate and put a positive pressure on those we lead. To do
this, the mentality needs to switch from a “my” to “our”
mentality (Fullan, 2016). Collecting data and interpreting data
is essential in the role of educational leader because data allows
leaders to be reflective and to gain an understanding of the
organization to establish a vision and mission for the
organization (Gurley et al., 2015).
According to Gurley et al. (2015), school improvement
is a complex task. To see organizational change, school leaders,
and those they lead, need to understand, and have a shared
understanding of the school’s mission, vision, values, and goals.
According to Morel (2014), collaboration is aligning people’s
actions to accomplish a task. This includes aligning one’s
perspectives and skills to be productive. Collaboration begins

by trust and building trust requires clarifying what the
organization wants and can offer (Covey, 2009). Understanding
the organizations mission, vision, values, and goals is one
aspect of building trust and true collaboration. Coming together
to collaborate allows the task force to build trust, communicate
about shared goals, and create social cohesion and capital
among the community leaders (Fullan, 2016). Marsh & Farrell
(2015), determined that capacity building interventions are an
important way for groups to collaborate with one another to use
data to make informed decisions.
To make a positive social impact in my field I would
use capacity building interventions to support, build skills,
knowledge, and use of data in the field (Marsh & Farrell, 2015).
Another evidence-based leadership strategy that would create
positive social change would be to lead by establishing a
mission, vision, values, and goals (Gurley et al., 2015).
References
Covey, S. (2009).
How the best leaders build trust Links to an external
site.
Links to an external site.. LeadershipNow.
Retrieved from
http://www.leadershipnow.com/CoveyOnTrust.html
College Press.
Gurley, D. K., Peters, G. B., Collins, L., & Fifolt, M. (2015).
Mission, Vision, Values, and Goals: An Exploration of Key
Organizational Statements and Daily Practice in
Schools. Journal of Educational Change, 16(2), 217–242.
decision making: A framework for
Links to an external site.

understanding capacity building. Links to an external
site.
Links to an external site. Educational Management
Administration & Leadership, 43(2), 269- 289.
doi:10.1177/1741143214537229
Essential Skill for Professional Growth. Delta Kappa Gamma
Bulletin, 81(1), 36–39.
2
due Dec 28 at 10:00amModule 3: Discussion 1DATA AND
In preparing for the Module 2 Discussion 2, you learned that
news of the changes in Grand City has been spreading
throughout the state and garnering interest among leaders in
many of the surrounding communities. You created a
motivational video to encourage others to become agents of
educational change and integrate data-informed decision making
into their processes.
For this Discussion, you will further expand on the importance
of data and collaboration for educational and community
change. You will also explore leadership strategies for positive
social change in your field.
To prepare:
· Review the motivational video you created for the Module 2
Assignment. Consider the Learning Resources from this course
thus far on educational change and leadership, data-driven
decision making, and collaboration for social change. How
might you use those resources and those you found on your own
to support the points you make in your video?

· Review the Fullan (2016) chapters in this module’s Learning
Resources and think about the various stakeholders invested in
educational change. How might you work (or continue to work)
to create positive social change in your current or future role?
Research evidence-based leadership strategies to support you in
this work.
· Review the information regarding how to decrease the size of
a video file and upload a video to a Discussion Forum in the
Kaltura Media Uploader link under Course Home.
Assignment Task Part 1
Upload your Module 2 Assignment motivational video and
transcript to the Module 3 Discussion 1 Forum.
Write a 1-page of the following:
· A rationale for your points regarding the importance of being
an educational agent of change and why you believe collecting
and interpreting data is essential to the role of educational
leader of change. Be sure to support your rationale with
reference to research.
· A rationale for your points regarding the importance of
collaboration among cross-specialization groups working to
make change and why data-informed decision is essential for a
collaborative group to initiate and implement plans for
educational and community change. Be sure to support your
rationale with reference to research.
· An explanation of at least two evidence-based leadership
strategies you would employ to create positive social change in
your field.
For this Discussion, and all scholarly writing in this course and
throughout your program, you will be required to use APA style
and provide reference citations.
View at least 3–4 of your colleagues’ videos and read their
posts.
Respond to at least two of your colleagues

in 150 words response each:
· by explaining 2–3 concepts or strategies related to change,
data-driven decision making, or leadership that you observed
from watching your colleagues’ videos that resonate with your
current professional practices.
· Then, explain why these concepts or strategies strike you as
invigorating and potentially innovative and how you might
apply them in your own educational setting.
· For this Discussion, and all scholarly writing in this course
and throughout your program, you will be required to use APA
style and provide reference citations.
Search entries or author Filter replies by unreadUnread
Collapse replies Expand replies
Subscribe
ReplyReply to Module 3: Discussion 1
·
Collapse SubdiscussionAmanda PuryearAmanda Puryear
MondayDec 19 at 7:56am

References
Covey, S. (2009).
Fullan, M. (2016).

doi:10.1007/s10833-014-9229-x
decision
doi:10.1177/1741143214537229
Md2Assgn_Puryear_A-1.docx
ReplyReply to Comment
·
Collapse SubdiscussionKatheryn GonzalesKatheryn Gonzales
TuesdayDec 20 at 10:49am

References
Covey, S. (2009).
site.
Retrieved from
College Press.

site.
doi:10.1177/1741143214537229
Bulletin, 81(1), 36–39.
MD2AssgnGonzales-3.K.docx
2
due Dec 28 at 10:00amModule 3: Discussion 1DATA AND
In preparing for the Module 2 Discussion 2, you learned that
news of the changes in Grand City has been spreading
throughout the state and garnering interest among leaders in
many of the surrounding communities. You created a
motivational video to encourage others to become agents of
educational change and integrate data-informed decision making
into their processes.
For this Discussion, you will further expand on the importance
of data and collaboration for educational and community
change. You will also explore leadership strategies for positive
social change in your field.
To prepare:
· Review the motivational video you created for the Module 2
Assignment. Consider the Learning Resources from this course

thus far on educational change and leadership, data-driven
decision making, and collaboration for social change. How
might you use those resources and those you found on your own
to support the points you make in your video?
· Review the Fullan (2016) chapters in this module’s Learning
Resources and think about the various stakeholders invested in
educational change. How might you work (or continue to work)
to create positive social change in your current or future role?
Research evidence-based leadership strategies to support you in
this work.
· Review the information regarding how to decrease the size of
a video file and upload a video to a Discussion Forum in the
Kaltura Media Uploader link under Course Home.
Upload your Module 2 Assignment motivational video and
transcript to the Module 3 Discussion 1 Forum.
Write a 1-page of the following:
· A rationale for your points regarding the importance of being
an educational agent of change and why you believe collecting
and interpreting data is essential to the role of educational
leader of change. Be sure to support your rationale with
reference to research.
· A rationale for your points regarding the importance of
collaboration among cross-specialization groups working to
make change and why data-informed decision is essential for a
collaborative group to initiate and implement plans for
educational and community change. Be sure to support your
rationale with reference to research.
· An explanation of at least two evidence-based leadership
strategies you would employ to create positive social change in
your field.
For this Discussion, and all scholarly writing in this course and
throughout your program, you will be required to use APA style
and provide reference citations.

View at least 3–4 of your colleagues’ videos and read their
posts.
Respond to at least two of your colleagues
in 150 words response each:
· by explaining 2–3 concepts or strategies related to change,
data-driven decision making, or leadership that you observed
from watching your colleagues’ videos that resonate with your
current professional practices.
· Then, explain why these concepts or strategies strike you as
invigorating and potentially innovative and how you might
apply them in your own educational setting.
· For this Discussion, and all scholarly writing in this course
and throughout your program, you will be required to use APA
style and provide reference citations.
Search entries or author Filter replies by unreadUnread
Collapse replies Expand replies
Subscribe
ReplyReply to Module 3: Discussion 1
·
Collapse SubdiscussionAmanda PuryearAmanda Puryear
MondayDec 19 at 7:56am

References
Covey, S. (2009).
Fullan, M. (2016).

doi:10.1007/s10833-014-9229-x
decision
doi:10.1177/1741143214537229
Md2Assgn_Puryear_A-1.docx
·
Collapse SubdiscussionKatheryn GonzalesKatheryn Gonzales
TuesdayDec 20 at 10:49am

References
Covey, S. (2009).
site.
Retrieved from
College Press.

site.
doi:10.1177/1741143214537229
Bulletin, 81(1), 36–39.
MD2AssgnGonzales-3.K.docx

Leading Change with Data and CollaborationKatheryn GonzalesSpe.docx

Recommended

Recommended

More Related Content

Similar to Leading Change with Data and CollaborationKatheryn GonzalesSpe.docx

Similar to Leading Change with Data and CollaborationKatheryn GonzalesSpe.docx (20)

More from pauline234567

More from pauline234567 (20)

Recently uploaded

Recently uploaded (20)

Leading Change with Data and CollaborationKatheryn GonzalesSpe.docx