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«Back to all edWebinarsTurning Data Into Action for Strong Student Outcomes on State Tests
Wednesday, January 21, 2026 @ 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm EST
Presented by Dr. Michael Garza, Principal, Sam Houston Collegiate Preparatory Elementary (TX); Denise Sanchez, Lead Teacher, Sam Houston Collegiate Preparatory Elementary (TX); Crystal Weber, Algebra 2 Team Leader & Classroom Teacher, Henderson County Schools (KY); and Jill Stallings, Algebra 2 Teacher, Henderson County Schools (KY)
Moderated by Justin McElwee, Enablement Manager, Wayground (formerly Quizizz)
Sponsored by Wayground (formerly Quizizz)
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
As spring testing approaches, school and district leaders face increasing pressure to ensure students are truly prepared for state assessments—without relying on last-minute test prep or disconnected instructional strategies. This edLeader Panel focuses on what actually works to improve state test readiness through intentional, data-driven, system-level leadership.
The goal of this session is to help leaders build a cohesive approach to state test readiness that connects daily instruction, real-time data, and targeted supports—so teachers can make informed adjustments before gaps show up on test day.
The panelists will share how effective schools leverage ongoing assessment signals to identify trends, anticipate student needs, and guide instructional decisions at the classroom and schoolwide levels. Attendees will learn how data can move beyond static reports to become a daily tool that empowers teachers and supports every learner.
Attendees will learn how to:
- Use real-time and predictive data to inform instructional decisions and improve readiness
- Identify early indicators of risk and provide timely, targeted support
- Align state test readiness efforts with formative assessment practices
- Support diverse student populations in demonstrating growth and achievement
Attendees will leave with practical strategies to turn data into action and strengthen student outcomes on state assessments. This edLeader Panel will be of interest to K-12 school and district leaders.
About the Presenters
Dr. Michael Garza is the Principal of Sam Houston Collegiate Preparatory Elementary and brings more than 25 years of experience in education and organizational performance. His leadership is grounded in data-driven decision making and instructional improvement, with a focus on turning real-time and predictive data into actionable classroom practices. Dr. Garza holds a doctorate in industrial/organizational psychology, an MBA, and an educator certification from the Texas Education Agency.
He is known for embedding daily data use into instruction, leading his campus to achieve more than two years of academic growth on NWEA MAP assessments for three consecutive years. He is the creator of the Phoenix Challenge curriculum, recognized for positively transforming student behavior, and has led innovative initiatives addressing instructional capacity, teacher recruitment, and higher education partnerships. His work centers on using data to empower educators and improve outcomes for every student.
Denise Sanchez is a dedicated science educator with six years of classroom experience. She was elected Teacher of the Year for the 2025 school year and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in education. Denise has a proven record of driving academic growth; by December, her science students exceeded national norms and reached the 92nd percentile. Her work centers on effective instructional practices that elevate student achievement and support teacher growth.
Crystal Weber is a classroom teacher at Henderson County High School. She is currently the team leader of the Algebra 2 team with nearly 20 years of teaching experience in both middle school and high school mathematics.
Crystal has been a National Board Certified Teacher since 2015 and has a Master of Science degree in Education. Her Algebra 2 team is known for using both summative and formative assessment data to drive instruction and promote strong practices for standardized testing. These data analysis strategies have led to yearly increases on state testing, culminating in a distinguished rating for the first time in school history.
Jill Stallings is one of the Algebra 2 teachers at Henderson County High School and brings more than 30 years of experience in education. Her team relies on data to make decisions to help students learn to the best of their abilities.
Jill holds a master’s in educational leadership, a master’s in curriculum and instruction, and a bachelor’s in elementary education. Her educational certificate in Kentucky is for K-6 and Mathematics 5-12. She is known for using data to drive instructional choices.
Along with other members of the Algebra 2 team, Jill creates, analyzes, and implements decisions based on data. Student learning is the focus, and she helps to identify the effectiveness of instruction.
About the Moderator
Justin McElwee is a former educator with 15 years of experience spanning special education, history, English, and instructional technology coaching. He holds a master’s degree in educational technology and is deeply passionate about how technology can enhance learning while advancing equity and accessibility in classrooms. Beyond education, Justin is an avid podcaster and creative content producer. He has worked on projects for LiveSchool, Teacher Misery author Jane Morris, Belly Up Sports, and his own show, Baseball and Whatever. In 2022, the podcast was shortlisted for Best Baseball Podcast Episode at the Sports Podcast Awards for an interview with MLB All-Star Jason Kendall. A lifelong tech enthusiast, Justin’s love for technology began with his family’s first PC in 1994. Outside of work, he enjoys time with his wife, Erica, and their two toddlers, Maddie and Mason, in Chicago.
Learn more about viewing the live presentation and the recording, earning your CE certificate, and using our new accessibility features.
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Wayground (formerly Quizizz) is a teaching platform that lets you deliver instruction that’s relevant for every student with a boost from AI. With Wayground, teachers can plan engaging yet rigorous assessments, lessons, or activities in a matter of minutes for any grade level or subject.
