Work Smarter, Not Harder

In this bonus episode of Work Smarter, Not Harder, we wrap up our REWIND series by revisiting key moments and showcasing how our department helps staff navigate the self-monitoring process.Podcast Host: Drs. Brittany Alligood & Scott Holcomb, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability Department Producer: Daniel Bunce, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability DepartmentPodcast Music by Sasha Wilson, WCPSS student at Millbrook High School

In this final REWIND episode of Work Smarter, Not Harder, we wrap up our two-part series on data visualization and storytelling. We explore four additional types of data stories (Evergreen, 2019), bringing them to life through real examples and “what-if” scenarios drawn from past REWIND interviews—so you can apply them in your own work.Evergreen, S. D. H. (2019). Effective data visualization: The right chart for the right data (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.Self-monitoring resource playlist: ⁠link⁠ Podcast Host: Drs. Brittany Alligood & Scott Holcomb, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability Department Producer: Daniel Bunce, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability DepartmentPodcast Music by Sasha Wilson, WCPSS student at Millbrook High School

Looking for fresh ways to make your data more meaningful and actionable? Our latest REWIND episode of the Work Smarter, Not Harder podcast is a great place to start.In this episode, we revisit the beginning of our series on data visualization and storytelling—bringing back key ideas from past conversations to reintroduce how data can be communicated more effectively in our work. While this episode wasn’t recorded in the traditional format due to staff transitions, it captures and builds on the original thinking from our colleagues.You’ll explore four types of data stories (Evergreen, 2019), along with practical examples and “what-if” scenarios drawn from previous REWIND interviews. Whether you're presenting to essential partners, analyzing trends, or supporting decision-making, this episode offers helpful ways to think about how your data tells a story.Tune in to strengthen your approach to data visualization, and start telling clearer, more impactful stories with your data.Evergreen, S. D. H. (2019). Effective data visualization: The right chart for the right data (2nd ed.). SAGE Publications.Self-monitoring resource playlist: link Podcast Host: Drs. Brittany Alligood & Scott Holcomb, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability Department Producer: Daniel Bunce, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability DepartmentPodcast Music by Sasha Wilson, WCPSS student at Millbrook High School

What policies and practices would make our elementary school libraries more effective? That’s the question that led Elc Estrera from Data, Research, and Accountability to begin collaborating with Kendra Allen and Susan Bock from Library Media Services. ⁠It resulted in some informative and intriguing research⁠, which we review in this episode. Tune in to learn about our libraries and pick up some strategies for conducting research. This is a crossover episode with Data Lit. Consider following their show on⁠ Spotify⁠,⁠ Apple⁠, or wherever you get your podcasts.Podcast Host: Drs. Brittany Alligood and Scott Holcomb, and Spencer Ziegler, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability Department Producer: Daniel Bunce, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability DepartmentPodcast Music by Sasha Wilson, WCPSS student at Millbrook High School

In this REWIND episode of the Work Smarter, Not Harder podcast, we revisit a conversation on how to transform program results into a compelling narrative through effective text, visuals, and presentation. Drawing on insights from Crystal Cabral, who was serving as a K-5 math coordinating teacher at the time, the discussion focuses on moving away from viewing data in isolation and being nimble as a presenter when sharing data with essential partners. The episode wraps up with a look at the importance of involving students in tracking their own goals and the power of sharing data in timely, digestible "bites" to ensure information is always actionable and easy for anyone to unpack.Self-monitoring resource playlist: link Paeplow, C., & Scrimgeour, M. (2023, September 21). Communicating your results (No. 5) [Audio podcast episode]. In Work Smarter, Not Harder. Wake County Public School System - Data, Research, & Accountability Department. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-5-communicating-your-results/id1571404975?i=1000628743204 Podcast Host: Drs. Brittany Alligood & Scott Holcomb, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability Department Producer: Daniel Bunce, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability DepartmentPodcast Music by Sasha Wilson, WCPSS student at Millbrook High School

Have you thought about the types of data you need to collect to monitor the effectiveness of the program you coordinate? In this REWIND episode, our colleagues talk with Dr. MariaRosa Rangel from the Office of Equity Affairs about her data story. She shares how using data helped improve the quality of support offered through the Family Academy and how it was used to measure progress toward key program goals.Self-monitoring resource playlist: link Blank Logic ModelPaeplow, C., & Cooke, D. (2022, May 10). Measuring your goals (No. 43) [Audio podcast episode]. In Work Smarter, Not Harder. Wake County Public School System - Data, Research, & Accountability Department. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-4-measuring-your-goals/id1571404975?i=1000560339474 Podcast Host: Drs. Brittany Alligood & Scott Holcomb, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability Department Producer: Daniel Bunce, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability DepartmentPodcast Music by Sasha Wilson, WCPSS student at Millbrook High School

We’re sharing the gift of knowledge with our first-ever Holiday Extravaganza! In this episode, we compete against our sister-podcast Data Lit in a holiday data trivia contest hosted by our producer, Daniel Bunce. Play along as you listen to test your seasonal traditions knowledge against the participants from Data, Research, and Accountability! Follow Data Lit on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts.

“Why are we doing this?”It’s easy to pick a program and run with it—but if you really want to make an impact, it’s more effective to pause, look at the data, and identify what’s truly needed. In this REWIND episode, our colleagues chat with Velinda Prince about how she uses data to guide decisions and find the best ways to support students and staff. Drawing on her extensive experience with data in Special Education, Velinda offers thoughtful insights we’re excited to revisit in this conversation.Blog Link: https://rebrand.ly/FOURcast-BlogSelf-monitoring resource playlist: link  FOURcasts: https://rebrand.ly/FOURcastsPaeplow, C., & Rhea, A. (2021, October 6). Using data to find a need (No. 3) [Audio podcast episode]. In Work Smarter, Not Harder. Wake County Public School System - Data, Research, & Accountability Department. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-2-navigating-with-logic-models/id1571404975?i=1000529818216 Podcast Host: Drs. Brittany Alligood & Scott Holcomb, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability Department Producer: Daniel Bunce, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability DepartmentPodcast Music by Sasha Wilson, WCPSS student at Millbrook High School

Are you an educator involved in monitoring your own work or launching a new initiative? Looking for a planning tool to save time and effort? This episode is for you! In this REWIND conversation, our colleagues sit down with Sherri Miller to explore the value of logic models from the perspective of staff participating in the monitoring process. Listen in as we reflect on how Sherri found the logic model to be an effective organizational tool for displaying connections between program strategies and goal attainment.Self-monitoring resource playlist: link Blank logic model: linkPaeplow, C., & Jackl, A. (2021, July 23). Navigating with logic models (No. 2) [Audio podcast episode]. In Work Smarter, Not Harder. Wake County Public School System - Data, Research, & Accountability Department. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-2-navigating-with-logic-models/id1571404975?i=1000529818216 Podcast Host: Drs. Brittany Alligood & Scott Holcomb, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability Department Producer: Daniel Bunce, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability Department Podcast Music by Sasha Wilson, WCPSS student at Millbrook High School

In this REWIND episode, our colleagues were joined by Granvel Johnson to share his first experience with the self-monitoring process.  As a long-time program coordinator but as a first-time participant in the self-monitoring process, he had to coordinate his program and monitor his efforts simultaneously. As the newest members of the DRA Program Accountability department, we’re coming in with fresh perspectives to look back at how Granvel’s journey revealed the “why” behind the self-monitoring process.Self-monitoring resource playlist: link Why self-monitoring video (January 2024?): linkPaeplow, C., & Bulgakov-Cooke, D. (2021, June 21). The why (No. 1) [Audio podcast episode]. In Work Smarter, Not Harder. Wake County Public School System - Data, Research, & Accountability Department. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-1-the-why/id1571404975?i=1000527118517 Podcast Host: Drs. Brittany Alligood & Scott Holcomb, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability DepartmentProducer: Daniel Bunce, WCPSS Data, Research, and Accountability DepartmentPodcast Music by Sasha Wilson, WCPSS student at Millbrook High School

After a 2-year hiatus, the Work Smarter, Not Harder podcast is back as we look back at our previous episodes with the Rewind episodes. In this season, hosts Brittany Alligood and Scott Holcomb from Wake County Public Schools’ Data, Research, and Accountability department revisit Season 1 to highlight lessons learned about program self-monitoring. As new members of the program accountability team, Brittany and Scott guide listeners through key conversations with educators and staff who navigated the self-monitoring process — sharing how they identified program needs, tracked implementation, and measured impact.From first-time participants like Granvel Johnson of the Office of Equity Affairs to experienced practitioners, the series unpacks why monitoring matters and how it supports stronger outcomes for students’ academic, social, and emotional well-being. Listeners will hear practical insights into using data not just to document efforts, but to make programs more effective.Beginning this fall, join the REWIND series to explore what worked, what was learned, and how monitoring can help every program succeed.Podcast Music by Sasha Wilson, WCPSS student at Millbrook High School.

How do you share your program results? An experienced WCPSS educator talks about the importance of establishing clear communication with stakeholders when sharing your program results. She uses presentations and interactive visuals to make sure her data are meaningful, relevant, and current. She shares strategies of how to keep the audience in mind such as telling your data story and addressing the audience's questions on the spot.

Have you thought about the types of data you need to collect that will help you monitor the effectiveness of the program you coordinate? A member of the Equity Affairs team, Dr. MariaRosa Rangel, shares her data story. In doing so, she discusses how her data help her improve the quality of the support she offers through her Family Academy and measure the progress and attainment of her program goals.

“Why are we doing this?” It is easy enough to pick a program and implement it but if you really want to make an impact, determining needs and systematically examining problems is a much better way to go about it! We speak with Velinda Prince about her process of using data to determine what to do to help students and staff and why. Velinda’s experience in using data in the Special Education department is extensive and we’re excited to share the chat we had with her with all of you. Enjoy!

Are you an educator who is involved in monitoring your own efforts or are rolling out a new educational initiative? Do you need a planning tool that would save you time and effort?  If so, this episode is for you! We invited a talented educator and a successful program coordinator Sherri Miller to share her experience creating and using Logic Models when coordinating educational programs.  Enjoy!

In this episode, we asked our guest, an experienced educator Granvel Johnson, to share his first experience with the self-monitoring process.  As a long-time program coordinator but as a first-time participant in the self-monitoring process, he had to coordinate his program and monitor his efforts simultaneously.  If you are interested in how it feels to balance the two challenges and want to know why monitoring your efforts is important, we invite you to listen to this podcast, The Why.

This is an introduction to the Work Smarter Not Harder Podcast Series. This podcast is brought to you by the Program Accountability Team in Wake County Public School System’s Data, Research and Accountability Department. Podcast Music by: Stella Paeplow Resources: Monitoring the Success of Your Efforts Learning Central Course (WCPSS staff)