How well do your local schools prepare students for college? Which teachers are leaving the classroom? Have federal school improvement grants had any impact on your districts' lowest-performing schools? 

Those are some of the data-based questions journalists can explore at the Education Writers Association’s second “Diving Into Data” workshop Feb. 22-25 at the University of Texas at Austin School of Journalism.

Applicants selected through a competitive process for the Diving Into Data workshop will receive intensive training on how to use and analyze data for stories. Participants will also examine the use of data by schools, districts, and states to inform instruction and determine what is and isn’t working to help students learn. 

Journalists’ applications for the workshop will be judged on the quality of their proposed stories and of their commitment to using data in their coverage. For those selected for the workshop, EWA will cover the cost of three nights of hotel, reasonable airfare, and most meals. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m. Eastern time on Jan. 18, 2013.

Candidates selected to participate will be matched with mentors who will help participants develop their data and stories. The workshop will also feature presentations from experts and a site visit aimed at deepening reporters’ knowledge of the role of data in efforts to improve schools.  

Please check out the application by clicking on the RSVP button below. We hope to hear from you!