The Power of Data Storytelling in Schools

Every school collects mountains of information, including attendance records, assessment scores, behaviour notes, and wellbeing surveys, yet many educators still struggle to turn this wealth of data into meaningful action that improves students' outcomes.  

But what if schools could transform raw data into a story that sparks action, drives change, and improves outcomes? That’s where data storytelling comes in. 

What is Data Storytelling (and Why Should Schools Care)? 

Data storytelling is more than reporting numbers – it is the art of transforming raw data into a story that leads to actionable insights and decisions. It combines three key elements: data, visuals, and a narrative. 

Instead of asking “What do the numbers say?”, data storytelling challenges schools to ask: 

The goal isn’t more reports. It’s a culture where teachers feel empowered, not buried in data, and every data point connects to one question: How does this help our students?  

Raw vs. Meaningful Data: A Real-World Example 

Raw data can be vast and complex. Without context, it isn’t easy to interpret or act on. Meaningful data, on the other hand, is curated, visualised, and connected to purpose; it tells a story. As Gary Klein notes in his book, Seeing What Others Don’t, on decision-making, insights often emerge from anomalies, those unexpected breakthroughs that challenge our assumptions and spark new thinking. 

This shift from raw data to meaningful storytelling is already reshaping schools across Australia. ACARA's case studies of high-gain schools demonstrate how effective data storytelling transforms basic statistics into targeted interventions. 

Australian Schools Leading the Way  

Pemberton District High School, WA - Under Principal Gail Allen, Pemberton embraced data storytelling to address long-term declines in literacy and numeracy. Through formative assessment, professional learning communities, and consistent practices, the school shifted from isolated data points to evidence-based decision-making. Today, it’s a high-performing school driven by a shared commitment to student learning.

Durack State School, QLD - Serving a diverse community, Durack faced challenges in literacy and numeracy. Principal Beth Peterson led a transformation using data storytelling and I4S funding to hire a skilled Numeracy Coach. Teachers adopted a team-based, data-driven approach. Students now thrive in robotics, coding, and problem-solving—becoming confident, numerate learners.

The Secret Sauce: Culture and Process  

Building a data-informed school requires balancing two critical elements that must work in harmony: 

• Culture: Getting your people on board, building their skills, and fostering genuine engagement with data. 
• Process: Creating systems, structures, and tools that support teachers in their data journey without adding to their already full plates. 

For comprehensive resources on creating data-informed cultures in schools, one of our TASScon 2025 keynote speakers, Dr Selena Fisk, has practical tools and frameworks available on her website.   

Building the Culture: Key Strategies 

1. Return to the Why (Again and Again)

Simon Sinek's famous TED Talk about starting with why applies perfectly to this situation. When launching any data initiative, start with the why; for schools, that why should always centre on students.

Create a narrative about why your school uses and consistently returns to data. Some schools have even created collaborative "why statements" that the entire staff helped develop, giving everyone ownership of the purpose. 

2. Focus on Data Storytelling, Not Just Data Collection

Too many schools get caught up in the mechanics - how to collect data, where to enter it, and ensuring it's valid and reliable. While these aspects are essential, none impact teaching and learning until we reach the storytelling phase. Going through all that information — sorting, filtering, and displaying data meaningfully - can feel overwhelming. Where do you start? You might find our infographic, Telling Stories with Data, helpful. 

3.  Embrace Curiosity Over Conclusions 

When we look at data, we don’t all interpret it the same way. Our individual roles, experiences, and perspectives shape what we notice and how we make sense of information. That’s why it’s essential to create space for all staff to engage with data thoughtfully and collaboratively approach it with curiosity rather than jumping to conclusions. As Daniel Kahneman explains in his book,  Thinking, Fast and Slow, this means shifting from fast, instinctive reactions (System 1 thinking) to slower, more deliberate analysis (System 2 thinking).

4. Differentiate Support Based on Skill and Will

 Just as learning experiences are tailored for students, it's equally important to recognise that everyone in a school community brings different levels of confidence and motivation when working with data. 

The Skill/Will Matrix, developed by Max Landsberg in The Tao of Coaching, offers a helpful way to think about this. It encourages us to consider: 

• Skill – the knowledge, experience, or confidence someone has in using data. 
• Will – their motivation, interest, or readiness to engage with data meaningfully. 

5. Build Trust and Psychological Safety

Data should drive improvement, not punishment. Teachers won’t engage honestly if they fear judgment. Create safe spaces for open dialogue where data is a tool for problem-solving, not blame. 

6. Ensure Validity and Reliability

Teachers disengage when they can’t trust the data. Address this by moderating assessments, aligning with curriculum standards, and investing in technology. With trust in the data, even the most willing teachers are likelier to engage where it counts.  

7. Balance Pre-Decision and Post-Decision Data

Planning with data is a common starting point—but many schools overlook the next step: Did it work?

Build structures for post-decision reflection to measure impact and celebrate success. This isn't just about accountability but continuous improvement and celebrating success. 

8. Engage Students in Their Data Story

Marzano highlights the power of student self-regulation. When students understand their data, set goals, and track progress, they become active partners in learning. This is the ultimate goal of a mature data culture.

9. Incorporate Victoria Bernhardt’s Model

Dr. Victoria Bernhardt’s framework for continuous school improvement emphasises using multiple measures of data to build a holistic understanding of school performance. Her model encourages schools to analyse how these data types intersect to inform strategic decisions and align with their vision.  

• Student learning 
• Demographics 
• Perceptions 
• School processes 
  

Bernhardt’s approach is especially useful for creating a shared language around data and fostering long-term cultural change. Her work helps schools move from isolated data points to systemic insight. 

The Process Side: Making Data Work Seamless 

Create a Clear Data Plan

Move beyond vague goals like “use data to inform practice.” Instead, define clear, role-specific expectations:

• What data matters for each role
• What to look for
• What actions to take
• How different data sources connect

Build a Data Democracy

A data-informed culture starts with access. That doesn’t mean giving everyone everything—but it does mean removing barriers. Ensure staff have timely, relevant access to the data and tools they need. When access is purposeful and equitable, data becomes a shared resource that empowers your whole school.

Embed Data in Everyday Practice

Integrate data into existing structures - pastoral care, curriculum planning, and professional learning. Start meetings with relevant data to guide decisions and conversations.

Invest in the Right Systems

While spreadsheets may work for small schools, most need integrated systems with strong visualisations. Tools like TrackOne Studio’s Learning Analytics Suite help turn school data into actionable insights for staff, students, and parents.

The Ultimate Goal: Student Agency 

Perhaps the most powerful evolution in data-informed practice is engaging students in their own data stories. When students understand their learning patterns, can set meaningful goals, and track their progress, they become data storytellers of their educational journey. 

Ready to Start Your Data Storytelling Journey? 

Building a data-informed culture takes time, but the first step is powerful. Ask yourself:

• What’s one small step we could take to better connect data to our “why”?
• Where are we making data harder than it needs to be?
• How can we create space for curiosity and insight instead of compliance?

At TrackOne Studio, we help schools transform data into action. Our Learning Analytics suite is designed to give leaders, teachers, and students the insights they need without overwhelming them. Contact our skilled team to start building your school’s data story.