Bridging perspectives: Insights from different stakeholders on data coaching in education

Abstract

This study focuses on the role of data coaches in data-based decision-making (DBDM) in education. Interviews and focus groups with academics and practitioners were conducted to understand the needs and challenges regarding data coaching. The study highlights the collaborative nature of data coaching and suggests the involvement of multiple coaches, both internal and external to the school. Distinctions between primary and secondary education contexts are revealed. The practitioners encountered challenges in articulating the specific practices, knowledge, and skills required for a data coach. Despite these challenges, the study provides valuable insights for future research and contributes to a comprehensive understanding of data coaching in education. This study increases the understanding of the various requirements and preferences related to the role of data coaches in promoting effective data-based decision making practices, as data coaches and school teams collaborate closely.