What we learned about getting started with data use through self-study

In this chapter, we will describe the process that we (six faculty members across four institutions) used to engage in the process of self-study as a means to better understand and improve data-use practices within our respective teacher education programs. The objective of this chapter is to provide the reader with an introduction to the self-study process, with a focus on how to get started. By outlining specific steps in our process and by highlighting particularly fruitful strategies, this chapter serves as a resource for teacher education faculty and administrators who, themselves, want to get started with self-study work within their respective departments.<br> The chapter is organized around four essential questions:<br>What are some different ways to frame the purpose of self-study?Who should be involved in the self-study process?How does one engage in the self-study process?What are some of the challenges and benefits to engaging in self-study?The recommendations p