How is Data to Results different from other approaches to planning and school improvement?
Data to Results starts with the numbers. Many other processes use data–but often information is collected and analyzed after goals have been identified. With Data to Results, information is collected, analyzed and presented early in the process to help school leaders make good decisions concerning school improvement. Why use data? Using data helps districts get results. Data forms a solid foundation for choosing goals-and then provides the information to monitor progress toward reaching those goals. Moreover, data is a very effective way to market and “tell the story” of a school district. What is the source of the data used in this process? For the most part, data to be used is already included in the information and records that a school district routinely collects. In some cases, you may develop targeted new data sources-but, in most cases, it’s a matter of organizing, analyzing and presenting data already available. Aggregate districtwide data will also be gathered from statewide
