# Episode 104: How school districts can think like a data scientist

By SchoolStatus • 1 min

Podcast: [Play in new window](https://media.blubrry.com/classdismissed/p/content.blubrry.com/classdismissed/Episode_104_.mp3)  |  [Download](https://media.blubrry.com/classdismissed/s/content.blubrry.com/classdismissed/Episode_104_.mp3)  (Duration: 34:25 — 28.0MB)

### How schools should be using their data

For the past five years, Dr. Joy Smithson has been helping school districts build specialized reports using their data. Smithson is the lead data scientist for SchoolStatus, and she helps schools find trends in topics like absenteeism, state assessments. She also assists districts with narrowing in on students that may be “at risk.”

_**Developing…This podcast is now live on your favorite podcasting app. Check back for a complete written summary.**_

To hear our full interview about ways you should be using your schools districts data, listen to  Episode 104 of the [Class Dismissed Podcast on iTunes](https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/class-dismissed/id1242086679?mt=2) or your favorite podcasting app.

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> SchoolStatus
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> SchoolStatus connects educators and families around the topics that matter most. The company partners with K–12 districts to improve attendance, engage families, and build trust so students can succeed. A recognized leader in data-driven attendance and family engagement solutions, SchoolStatus enables districts and educators to engage families with relevant, timely communications and proactive support on important topics including absenteeism, literacy progress, and overall student readiness. Today, SchoolStatus supports districts in all 50 states and serves more than 22 million students nationwide as a trusted partner in driving better student outcomes.

## Mission: Attendance

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**Messaging and Communication are Not the Same Thing**\
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read more: [Read More](/content/blog/messaging-and-communication-difference/index.html)

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Data Insights\
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Sep 1, 2021\
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**Why PowerSchool Districts Choose SchoolStatus for Data Analysis**\
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read more: [Read More](/content/blog/why-powerschool-districts-choose-schoolstatus-for-data-analysis/index.html)

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Educator Development\
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May 24, 2016\
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**3 Easy Ways to Gamify Your Professional Development**\
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read more: [Read More](/content/blog/3-easy-ways-to-gamify-your-professional-development/index.html)

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News\
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Oct 26, 2021\
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**SchoolStatus Acquires Operoo: Accelerates Vision to Build World’s Leading Unified K-12 Analytics, Communications, and Workflow Platform**\
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read more: [Read More](/content/blog/schoolstatus-acquires-operoo/index.html)

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Data Insights\
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Nov 15, 2021\
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**How to Use Family Communication Data for Student Success**\
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read more: [Read More](/content/blog/how-to-use-family-communication-data-for-student-success/index.html)

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News\
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Oct 19, 2022\
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**SI&A is now SchoolStatus Attend**\
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read more: [Read More](/content/blog/schoolstatus-acquires-sia/index.html)

## Ready to learn more about our suite of solutions?

[Request a Demo](/content/request-a-demo "Request a Demo"/index.html)