Data-Chapter 4
"Institutionalizing the Use of a Four-Letter Word"
Key Practices to Give Purpose to Data
10 Steps to embed the use of data in an organization:
1. Set the Stage
2. Connect Data to a Purpose
3. Provide a Structure
4. Blame Not: Fear Not
5. Avoid Hasty Conclusions
6. Provide a Variety of Data
7. Level the Goals; Layer the Data
8. Make the Data Clear
9. Encourage Curiosity
10. Provide Collaboration Time
Set the Stage
*Two questions create an expectation for the use of data: What does the data tell us? and how will we know if we are successful?
Connect Data to a Purpose
*If no action follows the event, then nothing was gained by the analysis of the data!
Provide a Structure
1. Analyze: Review Data
2. Plan: 2-3 goals based on data analysis…next steps
3. Implementation: Set the plan into action-crucial to the effectiveness of the plan-losing sight of the plan can result in failure to achieve the goal.
4. Assessment: Evaluate effectiveness of actions
Blame Not; Fear Not
*The purpose of data analysis is to promote strengths and identify challenges in order to promote continuous improvement.
Avoid Hasty Conclusions
*View multiple sources of data before drawing conclusions.
Provide a Variety of Data
*Creating a source list helps identify tools already available that can measure the success of a plan or steps within the plan.
Level the Goals; Layer the Data
*Goals are best developed using data that are closest to the specific layer of the organization.
*"Although some data are needed at all levels within a district, all data are not needed at all levels. Choosing the appropriate data assists in making data analysis valuable, yet manageable."
Make the Data Clear
*Present data in a way that is meaningful and easy to understand.
*Use charts, graphs, bold text, highlight, use color codes-varied representations of data increase the likelihood that interpretations will be successful.
Encourage Curiosity
*Data must be easily accessible.
*"I Wonder" questions encourage digging deeper into the data and finding reasons for results.
Provide Collaboration Time
*The more data are viewed, the more likely they are to be used.
Remember!!!
"Institutionalizing the use of data requires an expectation, a purpose, and a plan."
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