Jason Balters Region 11 In a world overflowing with data, the ability to tell a clear, compelling story is what drives real decisions. In this interactive session, participants will discuss practical strategies for transforming raw data into meaningful narratives. We’ll explore common storytelling pitfalls, effective visualization techniques, and how to select the right metrics for the right audience. Expect real examples, open discussion, and tools you can immediately apply in your work. Additional Information This session is designed as an interactive discussion rather than a traditional lecture, engaging participants in evaluating real-world data storytelling examples, identifying common pitfalls, and strengthening approaches to metric selection and visualization. Content is drawn from practical experience teaching Data Literacy 101 and 201 at ESC Region 11, focused on building foundational and applied data communication skills for education professionals.
The session will incorporate applied examples from education reporting and dashboard development, including support for district initiatives such as REACH and TEHCY reporting. It also reflects experience in survey design and analysis across student, family, and staff populations, as well as ongoing involvement in Ed-Fi data standardization efforts. Attendees will leave with practical, replicable strategies to improve clarity, consistency, and impact in their own data storytelling.
