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By Lindsay Templeton
Thanks to a grant from OSSE, FOCUS created the Student Data Intern Program, a paid internship designed to help charter schools develop and manage their data systems. FOCUS received 19 applications from schools and was able to provide 12 schools with interns for the 2013-14 school year. Here’s a look at three FOCUS interns (be sure to check in next week to learn about our other interns!):
Ryan Taylor-Excel Academy
Ryan is interning at Excel Academy PCS in southeast, DC. Before becoming a FOCUS data intern, Ryan earned his Bachelor of Arts in English at Monmouth University and is currently pursuing a Master of Public Policy with a concentration in Regulatory Policy at George Washington University.
At Excel, Ryan helps the data team input hand-graded assessment data into the school’s information system (SIS), and analyzes preschool assessments. He and the Excel data team are creating a system that will compare Excel student’s tests results against the results of their peers on the DC CAS and ANet[1]. This will help administrators measure progress and help teachers detect problem areas.
Ryan enjoys the challenges that arise when using datasets to identify and solve difficult questions, like using data to identify and explain trends such as correlations between student’s DC CAS and ANET scores. He is also investigating how other schools use and store data. He looks forward to working with Excel to develop a database that enables efficient data use as a means of improving student outcomes. Ryan also appreciates Excel’s familial atmosphere and how invested the teachers are in student achievement and success.
Ryan previously worked as a bookkeeper and writing assistant at Monmouth University. After graduation he plans to pursue a job that focuses on international regulatory policy and technology regulations, but is also interested in becoming a Foreign Service Officer. In his free time Ryan enjoys playing guitar, reading the news, and having cookouts with friends.
Jing Li- CAPCS Headquarters
Jing is interning at Community Academy Public Charter Schools’ (CAPCS) headquarters. Jing earned a Bachelor of Science degree in International Economics and Trade from the University of Science and Technology in Beijing, China and is now finishing her Master of Science degree in statistics at George Washington University.
At CAPCS Jing is compiling and cleaning historical student data so they can easily be accessed, used, and analyzed by school staff. Jing enjoys the atmosphere at CAPCS and is excited by her colleagues’ enthusiasm and willingness to do whatever it takes to help their students. She looks forward to helping her colleagues use real time student data to inform the academic supports they provide to CAPCS’ students.
Before becoming a FOCUS data intern, Jing worked as an assistant in the Sales Department at Quinghai Weston Starch Company and in the Statistical Planning and Funding Supervision Department at Quinghai Human Resources and Social Services Institute, both located in Quinghai, China. After graduation Jing plans to find a job in statistics. She enjoys hiking in her free time.
Lesley Pace- Capital City, Central Office
Lesley is interning at Capital City PCS in northwest DC. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Arts degree in Computer Information Systems with a minor in Cyber Security at Howard University.
At Capital City, Lesley works on various projects including combining all student assessment data from two databases and updating student information systems for Title I and FARM programs[2]. Lesley is excited to continue using her knowledge and experience to improve the quality of education offered at Capital City and enjoys seeing the immediate effect her work has on the school’s data systems.
Before joining the FOCUS data internship program, Lesley worked as a computer applications teacher at Capital City and worked at Nielsen as a Professional Services Analytics Program Intern. After graduation Lesley will pursue a career in intelligence or cyber security. In her free time she enjoys yoga, drinking tea, reading, and writing.
[1] Achievement Network (ANet) is a system of regular assessment in ELA and math for students in grades 3-8. Every six to eight weeks, schools administer two ANet assessments—one in ELA and one in Math. Each assessment takes place during one regular classroom period and tests recently taught material. The assessments are intended to identify individual areas of need and inform instruction and intervention strategies.
[2] Title I is a program created by the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) and used to distribute funding to schools and school districts with a high percentage of students from low-income families. Low-income students qualify for free and reduced priced meals (FARM) based on their families’ income in relation to the federal poverty level.