How Gilman School Uses Data to Drive Real Change
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In this episode, Cindy Blackburn sits down with Rachel Gorsky, Director of Institutional Research and Data Analytics at Gilman School, to explore how schools can actually use data to drive meaningful change.
They unpack what institutional research looks like in K–12 independent schools, how to move from vague questions to actionable insights, and why combining qualitative and quantitative data is essential for understanding school culture.
Rachel shares her process for analyzing school climate surveys, navigating sensitive topics, and turning complex data into findings that leaders can actually use. The conversation also dives into a real research project on women’s experiences in boys’ schools, offering a powerful example of how data can surface hidden patterns and inform leadership decisions.
They also explore the ethical challenges of working with sensitive data, how to build trust through transparency, and why sharing findings is often the hardest part of the process.
If you're a school leader, educator, or anyone interested in data-informed decision-making in education, this episode offers practical insights you can apply right away.