School on a Mission Podcast

S2: E8 - Data-Driven Decisions: Turning Numbers into Lessons with Dr. Denise Pope

• Growing Leaders • Season 2 • Episode 8

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📊 Are You Using Data to Transform Student Success? Or Is It Just Sitting on a Spreadsheet?

In this episode of School on a Mission, hosts Gina Watts and Andrew McPeak sit down with Dr. Denise Pope, Senior Lecturer at Stanford Graduate School of Education and co-founder of Challenge Success, to discuss how educators can use data-driven insights to improve student engagement, well-being, and belonging.


💡 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ The three crucial factors that drive student success—engagement, well-being, and belonging

âś… How schools can collect and use data beyond test scores to create real change

âś… Why shadowing students for a day can uncover the most valuable insights about school culture

✅ Practical data collection strategies that require no fancy tech—just curiosity and conversation

✅ How small changes—like modifying homework policies—can dramatically improve student learning experiences


🎧 If you want to move beyond numbers and use data to create thriving school environments, this episode is a must-listen!


đź”— Resources & Links:

Visit challengesuccess.org for free resources on student well-being, engagement strategies, and data collection tools.


🎙️ Listen now and take your school’s leadership to the next level! 🚀

🚀 Welcome to the School on a Mission Podcast! 🎙️


Hosted by Andrew McPeak and Gina Watts, this podcast is for educators, school leaders, and change-makers who believe in building schools where leadership, character, and social-emotional growth matter just as much as academics. If you believe education should inspire, equip, and empower the next generation—you’re in the right place!


Each episode features engaging conversations, expert insights, and real-world strategies to help you create a school culture where students thrive. From leadership principles and community engagement to AI in education and social media strategy, we tackle the most pressing topics in modern education.


🎧 New episodes drop regularly—don’t miss out!

đź’ˇ Connect with us at schoolonamissionpodcast.com

📲 Follow us on social media & join the conversation!


🔹 The School on a Mission Podcast is produced by Growing Leaders, powered by the Maxwell Leadership Foundation.

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