Our standalone or stackable certificates give you targeted skills. Our MEd can make you a comprehensive data leader and coach.
University of Arizona's new Data Literacy in Education programs are designed for working K-12 educators, principals, and school leaders - with the first certificate launching Fall 2026 (class registration available May 2026). Join our email list to be first to know when enrollment opens!
What is Data Literacy?
The ability to transform information into actionable instructional knowledge—by collecting, analyzing, and interpreting data to make informed decisions that improve student outcomes.
Why it matters:
- Schools have more data than ever, but most educators haven't been trained to use it effectively
- Education is becoming an evidence-based profession—data literacy is no longer optional
- Knowing HOW to use data (not just having it) is what creates equity and improves learning
Why Our Programs Are Different
Most professional development assumes research backgrounds or treats data literacy as "just spreadsheets." Educators need practical, comprehensive training that meets them where they are. We aim to do just that.
Program Features
✓ Fully online. Built around your schedule, wherever you are. ✓ Flexible pathways. Earn certificates one at a time or stack them toward the full MEd. ✓ Real Arizona data. You'll work with actual K-12 datasets from state and district sources, not hypotheticals. ✓ 7.5-week courses. Shorter sessions mean you finish faster and keep momentum. Most folks complete a certificate in just 3 sessions!
Evaluation Literacy Certificate (9 Credits)
LAUNCHING FALL 2026!
What you'll be able to do with this certificate:
- Design evaluation studies for district-wide programs and multi-school initiatives
- Collect and analyze data across multiple sites and organizational levels
- Work with Arizona district and state data systems for authentic evaluation projects
- Communicate evaluation findings effectively to school boards, district leadership, and community stakeholders
- Assess the effectiveness of district accountability systems and systems-level improvement efforts
Primary Faculty:
Courses:
- EDP 582a: Educational Evaluation
- EDP 682: Advanced Educational Evaluation*
- EDP 599: Independent Study
(*this course is currently listed as EDP 696B while the new course name and number are processed into the system)
Data-Based Decision Making Certificate (9 Credits)
Expected Launch: Spring 2027
What you'll be able to do with this certificate:
- Distinguish high-quality from problematic data in classroom assessment and progress monitoring tools
- Use AI-powered learning platforms and data dashboards effectively in your daily teaching practice
- Apply culturally responsive approaches to classroom-level instructional decisions
- Work with student-level data to monitor progress and adjust instruction
- Navigate classroom data systems with equity and ethics at the center of your practice
Currently Affiliated Faculty:
Courses:
- TLS 547: Data Literacy
- TLS 647: Advanced Data Literacy
- HED 5XX: Culturally Responsive Data Use
Research Literacy Certificate (10 Credits)
Expected Launch: Summer 2027
What you'll be able to do with this certificate:
- Analyze assessment data across classrooms and grade levels to identify program-level patterns and trends
- Distinguish rigorous research from weak studies and evaluate evidence quality for instructional decisions
- Apply descriptive and inferential statistics to understand school and program outcomes
- Translate research findings into actionable insights for instructional teams and department-level planning
- Understand what standardized assessments and program data actually reveal about student learning
Currently Affiliated Faculty:
Courses:
- EDP 541 A & B (2 credits each for a total of 4 credits): Introduction to Statistics in Education
- EDP 558a: Educational Tests and Measurements
- EDP 520: Design and Application of Qualitative Research in Education
MEd in Data Literacy for Education
Stack 3 Certificates + Complete a 2 Credit Mentored Independent Study = MEd!
What this full degree prepares you for:
- Data coach or instructional coach positions in your district
- Teacher leadership roles focused on evidence-based improvement
- Principal pipeline opportunities (data literacy is increasingly essential for school leaders)
- District-level positions in curriculum, assessment, or program evaluation
- Becoming the go-to expert in your school for using data to drive equity and student success
Expected approval: Spring 2027
START YOUR DATA LITERACY JOURNEY NOW
Can't wait for full program approval? You don't have to. Evaluation Literacy courses launch Fall 2026 - and you can enroll now as a non-degree seeking student. Here's how it works:
- New students: Apply as an NDS student or apply to any graduate program and add the certificate to your planned courses
- Current UA grad students: Enroll directly in our courses via the Shopping Cart
- Be sure to reach out to our Program Director as well, so they can be sure to support your journey!
Be the first to get updates!
Join our email list for program updates, enrollment information, course launches, and opportunities to get involved as we build Arizona's first comprehensive data literacy program for educators. We'll keep you updated as we move through the approval process!
Questions? Comments?
Credits:
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