Video Transcript
But Matthew, we’ve always done it that way! Not anymore! It’s time that we shift our priorities away from maintaining dated practices and drive towards a more evidence-based approach. In this video, I’m going to walk you through the steps necessary to nurture an evidence-driven school culture.
Hi friends, I’m Matthew Courtney and here we talk all about education research and data. If you’re into that, make sure you like and subscribe and come be a part of our community.
Okay, let’s dive in with Step 1: Lead by Example
Building an evidence-driven school culture starts with leadership. When principals and administrators show they’re committed to using research and data for decisions, it sends a powerful message to the rest of the staff. Evidence becomes more than a trend—it becomes part of the school’s core values. Be a principal who explains not just the “what” but the “why” of a new program, showing how evidence supports it.
The trick is that leaders must model evidence-use practices. When you tackle issues—like low attendance or test scores— openly share how you’re using data and research to find solutions, so that teachers see a real commitment. This transparency helps teachers feel like they’re part of a shared goal and more likely to embrace evidence-based approaches in their classrooms. When leaders champion this approach, it builds a culture where teachers feel aligned with a larger vision focused on student success.
Step 2: Encourage Data Literacy Among Staff
For an evidence-driven culture to work, everyone on staff needs to be comfortable using data. Data literacy empowers educators to interpret and act on data in ways that enhance student learning. Teachers don’t need to be statisticians, but they should feel confident answering questions like, “What does this tell me about my students?”
Schools can foster data literacy through professional development and ongoing support. Having data coaches or collaborative groups can help. A coach, for instance, can work with teachers to interpret assessment results or attendance patterns, turning data into actionable insights.
When teachers feel supported in understanding and using data, it becomes a natural part of their teaching day. Data becomes less intimidating and more of a tool that informs their day-to-day decisions, leading to better outcomes for students. In a school where data literacy is encouraged, teachers feel empowered and equipped to drive meaningful, evidence-based progress.
Step 3: Foster Collaborative Inquiry
To build an evidence-driven culture, creating spaces for collaborative inquiry is essential. When teachers come together to analyze data, discuss findings, and explore research-based strategies, they strengthen their understanding and broaden their approach. Imagine a professional learning community, where teachers regularly meet to ask questions like, “What trends are we seeing in student engagement?” or “What’s working in reading comprehension?”
These collaborative sessions turn data into actionable insights but be careful here. It’s not about adding another meeting to the schedule; it’s about making time for teachers to collectively interpret evidence, support each other’s growth, to create shared solutions that impact students across classrooms.
Step 4: Make Evidence-Based Decisions Visible
An evidence-driven culture thrives when evidence-based decisions are transparent and visible to all. When teachers and staff can see how evidence is used to drive school-wide choices, it reinforces the role of data and research in creating positive change. For instance, if the school introduces a new intervention, sharing the data and research behind that choice—whether in staff meetings, newsletters, or bulletin boards—brings everyone into the process. This openness fosters trust and encourages teachers to view evidence-based decision-making as a practical, everyday part of school life. Seeing that school leaders prioritize evidence in their decisions inspires staff to adopt similar approaches in their own classrooms.
Step 5: Celebrate Successes and Learn from Failures
For an evidence-driven culture to take root, recognizing both achievements and learning moments is crucial. Celebrating successes, no matter how small, reminds everyone of the progress made through evidence-based practices. Whether it’s a staff shout-out for a teacher who used data to boost math scores or a more formal recognition process or award, these recognitions make the effort feel worthwhile.
It’s equally important to approach setbacks as learning opportunities. If a new strategy didn’t deliver the expected results, viewing it as a chance to understand and improve—rather than a failure—reinforces that evidence-based practice is about continuous growth. This balanced approach helps create a supportive environment where both success and reflection drive a culture of learning and resilience.
This brings us to the end of our video, but if you found value in this video, then you’re going to love this video, where I talk all about the three C’s of research utilization. Make sure you check it out before you go.
Comments