How Data Can Inspire Us to Create Change

I recently sat through a presentation on American education filled with heavy data about how the opportunity gap is ballooning while kids' academic progress and social and emotional well-being are in a sharp, steady decline. It was so overwhelming that the presenter paused twice to apologize. 

After the presentation, there was a deafening silence, as if each of us were contemplating a career shift.  

These data are essential for us to understand the reality of how our kids are achieving, how they’re coping, and where they’re struggling. It’s also critical to understand the context for where we are today, acknowledging and challenging the long and deep history of educational inequities that have brought us to this moment. 

At the same time, if we are to make progress in public education—perhaps a more important need at this moment than at any other moment in our history—we must strive to connect emotionally with our audience—sharing stories, highlighting what’s promising, reinforcing what’s working, showcasing the kind of impact we can have collectively—even in the most difficult of times. 

At Learning Heroes, we've learned a lot in nearly a decade of releasing data reports, testing effective messaging, and launching national and local awareness campaigns. Below are a few takeaways about what we've found to help organizations pivot from simply providing information to sparking much-needed inspiration and innovation.

Lead With the Good Stuff

No matter the topic's seriousness, make sure your narrative is compelling, asset-based, and action-oriented. Remember, there’s no impact without action; people act around what feels hopeful.

When releasing new data, determine a series of asset-based insights that speak to impact. Start and end with these insights to help frame the overall narrative and reinforce them in presentations, media interviews, speaking opportunities, social media, and more.

You should also engage your audience during in-person or virtual events. Consider two or three specific actions your target audience can take and give some simple steps to help them do it. Ask your audience what the insights mean in the context of their work and how they will put them into action. 

Tip No. 1 in Action

This past spring, Learning Heroes conducted research in six large cities, documenting the disconnect between parent perceptions of their child’s achievement and the reality (gaps were sometimes as wide as +60%).

Our messaging focused on how parents can take specific actions, such as talking to their child’s teacher, enrolling their child in summer learning programs, and more. Combining compelling data points with clear, concise calls to action resonated with parents. Based on a post-campaign research evaluation, parents who specifically recalled campaign ads were twice as likely to take actions highlighted in the campaign than those who did not. 

Include a Diverse Set of Voices

Too often in education, we focus on our voices rather than other critical voices and perspectives. Remember that the messenger matters as much as the message. Lifting the voices of those most impacted by the issue you’re highlighting is impactful.

Tip #2 in Action

When we released a report on the complex systems that parents navigate on behalf of their children with learning differences, we wanted to highlight the challenges families face and shine a light on areas of opportunity. We created short videos of five parents speaking directly to other parents about their experiences and what they’ve learned.

Jeannie, a mom from New Mexico, shared how she and her husband were getting beyond the stigma attached to learning differences. And Onia, a mom from Texas, provided a very human touch: “I have two very special little ones who have proven time and time again that despite their diagnosis, they have continued not only to reach milestones but go so far beyond that. You just have to take a different road sometimes, and it’s okay.” In the context of the data, her words pack a powerful message.

Take a Collective Approach

“We’re better together” is perhaps an overused but under-appreciated sentiment. Too often, and for various reasons, organizations undertake new campaigns and initiatives on their own when strategic partnerships could add credibility, raise visibility, and lead to greater impact. What’s more, funders appreciate organizations joining forces, too! 

Tip #3 in Action

In Learning Heroes’ most recent release of a new report with Gallup and the corresponding launch of the Go Beyond Grades campaign, we partnered with UNCF, National Urban League, US Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Univision, GreatSchools.org, and National PTA.

Each of these partners brings a different focus and perspective and challenges us to think differently (and better!) about the work and its impact.

One thing we all agree on is that education in America is not going to be fixed overnight. This work is the marathon of marathons, and yet innovation is everywhere. We must move beyond merely putting out information and start thinking about how we inspire individuals and organizations to bring their best selves and ideas to this work. By being mindful of how we communicate, especially during challenging times, we can keep our focus on a collective vision and get closer to the kind of impact we all want to achieve.