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La Conner students are daily taught the power of critical thinking.

School officials are also embracing that lesson as they begin analyzing data collected from surveys whose input will help shape a draft district strategic plan addressing key academic and campus culture goals and objectives.

La Conner school board members and administrators hosted a two-hour presentation Monday night by Roni Rumsey, director of professional learning at the Center for Educational Effectiveness. She shared insight into how data analysis can play a vital role in enhancing student success.

That is where critical thinking comes into play, she said. Survey responses become more relative and useful when school officials dig into the data, seeking answers sometimes hidden beneath the surface.

“Data doesn’t mean anything,” Rumsey cautioned, “until we give it some context.”

She urged the school leaders to focus on three areas when poring over survey results: celebrations (positive responses), opportunities (neutral responses) and responses making necessary the need for more information.

“The biggest thing I’ve learned,” said Rumsey, “is to ask more questions.”

A former school administrator, Rumsey led activities that required the board to draw conclusions from the survey data and offer possible explanations when the numbers indicated students, parents and staff have different perceptions for evaluating academic programs and efforts to promote student equity and social-emotional well-being.

“I applaud you for taking the time to do this,” Rumsey said at one point, “because not all school boards do.”

Perhaps the most encouraging data for school officials was a survey response showing a more than 40 per cent increase in the belief that collaboration between district residents and the school is based upon trust and respect.

“That is huge,” Rumsey said.

Areas in which positive percentages fell, such as staff evaluation of effective professional development, were often linked to the COVID-19 pandemic, which forced the district to offer remote learning only fall semester.

“It (professional development) is hard to do in Zoom meetings,” middle and high school principal Kathy Herrera said.

Following Rumsey’s presentation, Superintendent Rich Stewart provided a brief update on the evolving strategic plan, a project to provide a pathway to scholastic achievement and tools, allowing students to be lifelong learners and productive members of their respective communities.

Board member John Agen applauded the strategic plan’s high expectations.

“As Vince Lombardi said when he took over the (Green Bay) Packers,” said Agen, “’we’re embarking on an endless pursuit of excellence.’”