What can you conclude about the teacher-turnover rates in your local schools? What is the relationship between students’ family backgrounds and high school graduation rates? Which schools are beating the demographic odds in student learning growth? Do students’ grades in your local high schools line up with their need for remediation in college?

Those are among the data-based questions journalists can explore at the Education Writers Association’s first “Diving Into Data” workshop March 9-12 at the University of Colorado Denver campus.

Applicants selected for the Diving Into Data workshop will receive intensive training on how to use databases to pursue education-related stories, as well as how to access and assess available education data. Participants will also examine the use of data by schools, districts, and states to inform instruction, manage performance, 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. 26, 2012.

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. We hope to hear from you!