Kaleidoscopic Data with Dr. Nicole Ponsford | In This Together Ep 13

Dr. Nicole Ponsford, CEO of the Global Equality Collective, joins Becky Dawson to discuss how "kaleidoscopic data" can transform inclusion and belonging in schools.

This episode explores the move from static, "past tense" data to a multi-dimensional approach that surfaces the hidden voices of students and staff. Dr. Nic shares her journey from being a student who found school to be her "safe place" to becoming a researcher and EdTech founder dedicated to making that experience a reality for everyone. We dive into the "Global Equality Collective" (GEC) framework, which uses anonymous, intersectional data to help school leaders move beyond tick-box exercises and toward meaningful, sustainable culture change.

The discussion covers the vital role of "linking social capital," where leadership strategically gives power and resources to all groups to foster true belonging. From testing internal biases to leveraging "tech for good" like assistive technologies, this conversation provides a roadmap for brave leaders ready to get "sticky in the middle" of uncomfortable but necessary conversations.

Takeaways

• Shift to Kaleidoscopic Data: Move beyond static "past tense" metrics like attendance and grades to understand the fluid, lived experiences of your school community.
• Prioritize Psychological Safety: Use technology to create anonymous, safe spaces where staff and students can share truths they might otherwise hide from line managers or teachers.
• Understand Social Capital: Recognize the three types of social capital—bonding, bridging, and linking—and ensure leadership is actively "linking" groups to prevent siloed inclusion efforts.
• Design with Participants: Improve data reliability by involving students and staff in the design of surveys and audits, ensuring the methodology centers on their specific needs.
• Adopt "Tech for Good": Leverage assistive technologies and AI to unlock curriculum accessibility for neurodivergent and multilingual learners.
• Be a Brave Leader: Accept that school improvement takes time (2–3 years) and requires leaders to be comfortable with uncomfortable feedback to surface hidden voices.

Sharing is Caring

Dr. Ponsford recommends exploring "GEC Know-How" on the Global Equality Collective website, which features the UK's largest collection of inclusion and wellbeing resources, including diverse booklists for all ages, playlists, and e-learning playbooks.

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Chapters

• 00:00 - Introduction: Meet Dr. Nicole Ponsford, CEO of the GEC.
• 01:19 - Core Inspiration: School as a safe place and the mission for inclusion.
• 03:42 - Defining Belonging: Moving from EDI "buzzwords" to Maslow’s hierarchy.
• 06:20 - The Inclusion Index: Why only 18% of students strongly feel they belong.
• 08:30 - Mapping the Field: Moving from academic research to lived experience.
• 10:57 - The Problem with Static Data: Why "past tense" metrics leave kids invisible.
• 15:05 - What is Kaleidoscopic Data?: A 360-degree view of the school ecosystem.
• 20:37 - Participatory Research: Designing surveys with students and staff.
• 24:54 - Impact vs. Intention: Handling uncomfortable feedback from students.
• 31:56 - Social Capital in Schools: Bonding, bridging, and linking for leaders.
• 40:53 - Hope for the Future: Tech for good and inclusive curriculum changes.
• 43:17 - Sharing is Caring: GEC Know-How and diverse library resources.