How QoreInsights’ Classroom Education Plan (CEP) is Shaping a Fairer Future
By Dr. Toni Shub and Dr. Anika Davis
As the American Consortium for Equity in Education continues to champion equitable practices, the focus is increasingly on the responsible and transformative use of data in K-12 education. Data equity isn’t just about the numbers; it’s about understanding the stories behind them. The narratives often hidden within these statistics can either perpetuate systemic inequalities or pave the way for radical transformation in schools. This is where the Classroom Education Plan (CEP) by QoreInsights comes into play, serving as a model for data equity in action.
The Data Equity Challenge
Imagine a school district that consistently attributes lower academic performance to the influx of students from low socioeconomic (SES) and historically marginalized backgrounds. On the surface, this narrative may appear logical—more students with fewer resources often correlate with lower scores. However, this hyper-focus on SES data can easily lead to a blame game, deflecting attention from deeper instructional gaps and overlooking the real barriers students face.
On the flip side, ignoring data masked in averages and aggregated data can also be harmful. Mark West’s report An EdTech Tragedy? highlights how the global rush to implement educational technology (EdTech) during the COVID-19 pandemic exposed deep inequalities in access to digital tools, internet access, and learning opportunities. The report underscores the failure to address long-standing disparities that were exacerbated during the shift to remote learning.
In contrast, QoreInsights’ CEP turns this challenge on its head by using data to illuminate and address these hidden barriers. Instead of focusing solely on broad demographic categories, CEP uses AI-driven insights to delve into the context behind the numbers. It uncovers the needs and strengths of the students in each classroom, allowing educators to move beyond labels and craft strategies that are responsive to classroom performance and dynamics.
A Real-World Example: Shattering the Status Quo with CEP
In a recent partnership with an underperforming school district, CEP was introduced to address declining student performance. The district’s initial data analysis pointed to the usual suspects: an influx of students from low SES backgrounds and a rise in students who were English language learners (ELL). However, as CEP integrated real-time feedback from students and teachers, a more nuanced picture emerged. It wasn’t just about socioeconomic factors; it was about the lack of differentiated instruction, inadequate support for new learners, and rigid ability grouping practices that trapped students in low-expectation tracks.
CEP’s approach redefined the district’s intervention strategy. Instead of sticking to traditional remediation models, CEP provided tailored instructional strategies that considered each student’s strengths and areas of opportunity, language proficiency, social-emotional needs, engagement, and more. The district saw measurable improvements not only in test scores but also in student engagement and teacher efficacy. By centering the voices of those most impacted—students and teachers—the district shifted from blaming demographics to addressing the real instructional gaps.
The DAM IT™ Framework: A Pathway to Equitable Data Use
At the core of CEP’s success is QoreInsights’ DAM IT™ framework, a structured approach to equitable data use that ensures data flows are controlled and purposefully directed. The framework is rooted in research that shows both the dangers of overemphasizing demographic data and the risks of ignoring critical context. Studies have highlighted how rigid data practices, such as focusing too heavily on test scores, can reinforce existing biases and limit opportunities for students. The metaphor behind “DAM IT™” is a powerful one: just as a dam controls and directs the flow of water to prevent flooding and maximize its positive impact, the DAM IT™ framework ensures that data is purposefully managed and channeled to address real educational challenges. Without careful control, data can flood schools with misleading narratives and harmful assumptions, deepening inequities rather than resolving them.
The DAM IT™ framework addresses these concerns by providing a systematic approach:
- D – Define the Problem: Before collecting data, it’s essential to identify the real issue that needs solving. By conducting root cause analyses, schools can avoid jumping to conclusions and instead focus on addressing the right challenges.
- A – Analyze and Collect Inclusive Data: The framework emphasizes gathering data that reflects the complete context, including cultural, linguistic, and socio-emotional factors.
- M – Map the Plan: Through evidence-based strategies and continuous feedback loops, the plan evolves to meet students’ needs in real-time.
- I – Involve Stakeholders: Engaging diverse voices from the start ensures that the strategies resonate with those most impacted by educational decisions.
- T – Transparency in Data and Actions: By being transparent about data use, schools build trust and ensure accountability as they work toward more equitable outcomes.
The Future of Data Equity in Education
The American Consortium for Equity in Education is right to emphasize that data can be both a tool of oppression and a catalyst for equity. The key lies in how it is used. QoreInsights’ CEP illustrates that with the right approach, data can move beyond surface-level narratives and drive real, meaningful change in schools. By focusing on the context behind the numbers, involving stakeholders at every level, and maintaining transparency, CEP exemplifies how data equity can be operationalized in a way that empowers rather than marginalizes.
As more districts begin to adopt tools like CEP, the hope is that we’ll see a shift in the educational landscape—one where data isn’t used to label and limit students but to liberate their potential and create more equitable learning environments for all.
To find out more and schedule a demo of the CEP visit https://qoreinsights.com/schedule-demo/.
Dr. Toni Shub is the CEO and Founder of QoreInsights, a leader in AI-enabled professional learning for K-12 education. With over 25 years of experience, she is dedicated to transforming how schools use data to drive equitable outcomes for students and educators.
Dr. Anika Davis is the COO and Co-founder of QoreInsights, a leader in AI-enabled professional learning for K-12 education. As an experienced organizational psychologist, she thrives on helping educators establish collaborative ecosystems where all voices are amplified.
The American Consortium for Equity in Education, publisher of the "Equity & Access" journal, celebrates and connects the educators, associations, community partners and industry leaders who are working to solve problems and create a more equitable environment for historically underserved pre K-12 students throughout the United States.
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
- American Consortium for Equity in Educationhttps://ace-ed.org/author/admin/
