What do data and evidence mean for you, your school, and your students? What does it mean to be data literate? What does evidence-based decision-making look like in the school context? Making meaningful use of data and evidence empowers the teacher to make informed decisions about their students’ progress based on professional judgement.
This course looks closely into different definitions of data and evidence, the different types of data that are available to teachers on a day-to-day basis, evidence-based decision making, uses and purposes of data, and how to make data fit for purpose.
Professor Jim Tognolini from the University of Sydney’s Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment will lead an interactive and content driven professional learning day. Completing this course will give you a voice in the narrative around the purposes of data and evidence in classrooms and schools.
Please note, this course was previously called Empowering Teachers Through the Meaningful Use of Data and Evidence.
- 17 March 2026, at NSW Teachers Federation, Surry Hills.
- 2 September 2026 in Blacktown
All CPL courses run from 9am to 3pm.
Prof Jim Tognolini
Professor Jim Tognolini is Director of The Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment (CEMA) which is situated within the University of Sydney School of Education and Social Work. The work of the Centre is focused on the broad areas of teaching, research, consulting and professional learning for teachers.
The Centre is currently providing consultancy support to a number of schools. These projects include developing a methodology for measuring creativity; measuring 21st Century Skills; developing school-wide practice in formative assessment. We have a number of experts in the field: most notably, Professor Jim Tognolini, who in addition to conducting research offers practical and school-focused support.
Sofia Kesidou
Sofia Kesidou is an Associate Professor at the Centre for Educational Measurement and Assessment at the University of Sydney. Her research interests include teachers’ use of assessment; professional learning to improve teachers’ assessment knowledge and practice; assessment validation and measurement of educational constructs. Sofia was a key contributor to the development and implementation of national science, mathematics and technology standards in the United States, where she developed award-winning research-based processes for curriculum and assessment evaluation. She has held senior executive roles at the University of New South Wales and the NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA), where she oversaw the development of numerous Australian and international high-stakes assessment programs, including the National Assessment Program for Science Literacy and the Higher School Certificate Examinations (HSC), as well as state curriculum reform programs. She has served on the Board of the Australian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, the Australian Music Examinations Board, and the National Assessment Online Steering Committee. She is currently a member of the NSW HSC Standards Setting Committee.
Completing Empowering Teachers Through the Meaningful Use of Data and Evidence: K-12 will contribute 5 hours of NSW Education Standards Authority (NESA) Accredited PD in the priority area of Delivery and Assessment of NSW Curriculum/EYLF addressing standard descriptors 5.4.2 from the Australian professional Standards for Teachers towards maintaining Proficient Teacher Accreditation in NSW.
$220 for one day
Please note, payment for courses is taken after the course takes place.
“Every aspect of this course was informative and useful. I’ve had an opportunity to think about what has been presented and engage in collegial discussion.”
“I feel empowered to challenge the idea of data and evidence within my workplace and provide a different point of view that values teachers as professionals. Engaging and thought-provoking presentation”
“It was an extremely valuable PL which I will absolutely be recommending to others.”
“Jim’s passion and knowledge were very obvious and appreciated.”