Gates Foundation gives $22M for data-driven decision making

This is incredibly exciting news. The Gates Foundation has committed $22 million for the purpose of funding programs that "support the development of data systems and research initiatives in K-12 education."

In the same spirit, I am in the process of developing a project proposal for a digital media needs assessment on P-16 levels across the state of Tennessee. If there is data out there that ties access to and experience with digital media to traditional statistical benchmarks (graduation rates, college enrollment, standardized test scores, etc.) I have not yet found it.

"Useful data and solid research about what works will help empower teachers, schools, and districts to more effectively keep students on the path to success in college and beyond. Our education system must be grounded in reliable [information] that assesses what works best in the classroom and serves the interests of all students." (Bill Gates)

This project I'm developing proposes a collaboration between interested stakeholders and would provide just such data to be used not only as a current indicator of where those relationships exist, but a baseline of statistics by which our future technology and service learning projects' success can be measured. We want to take the scope of the Gates'-funded initiatives a step further by folding in the critical participation of students themselves in not only doing the research, but taking leadership in the data analysis and subsequent program development and implementation.

Service learning and technology can provide a synergy that is far greater than either can achieve alone. By combining the powerful forces of technology and engagement, multidisciplinary becomes omnidisciplinary and program becomes research.

For more information (or to share yours), please email me at digiTenn at gmail dot com.