Taylor Ferguson

Senior Research Analyst @Pasadena Unified School District

Pasadena, CA, US

Evaluated the 3-year Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP) during its final year, compiled and analyzed data from multiple local and statewide databases to quantify PUSD’s progress towards its goals (including academic performance, graduation rates, chronic absenteeism rates, and college and career readiness) as well as to identify successes and areas of improvement to inform the next LCAP and improve student outcomes. • Led a hands-on summer “data dive” with principals and district leadership in which we analyzed student performance on end-of-year summative assessments and used these findings to establish goals and priorities for the upcoming academic year. Provided each principal with school-specific performance data disaggregated by student demographics and by student groups (low-income students, English learners, foster youth, and unhoused students) to aid in the creation of tailored School Plans for Student Achievement (SPSAs). • Held focus groups and conducted surveys at Elementary, Middle, and High Schools to move the district towards a culture of centering student voices and experiences in the decision-making process. Gathered both quantitative and qualitative data from students to guide program design and implementation. • Used multiple local, state, and federal databases (Aeries, iReady, CalPADs, California State Dashboard, DataQuest) to prepare reports and perform evaluations on initiatives such as the impact of a newly introduced math curriculum, the effectiveness of PUSD’s summer school and expanded learning programs, among others.• Served as the primary resource for principals, district staff, and administration prepare and analyze data to inform strategic planning at the classroom, school, and district levels.

USC Sol Price School of Public Policy

Master of Public Policy (MPP), Public Policy Analysis

University of California, Berkeley

B.A., Political Economy (Major), Public Policy (Minor)