2. Interpreting and Using Data for Continuous Improvement

Conduct a Needs Assessment

• Use multiple sources of data, beginning with state testing data (see templates provided below).
• Consider using 3 years of data to show trends.
• Create a district profile consisting of data (use CCIP Needs Assessment framework).

Create Graphic Representations of Important Data (see Section 4)

• Select the most effective type of graphs and charts to study and show  targeted data results.
• Visual representations (graphs) of data allow trends and patterns to be readily identified.
• Color can be used to distinguish subgroups, subject areas, grade levels, academic years, schools.
• Graphs can be interpreted relatively quickly and work well when presenting data to groups.

Use the Data Analysis Worksheet to Determine Goals

Select the Data Review Worksheet Appropriate for your Analysis:

Identify Strengths, Areas for Improvement, Trends

• Data team studies the data and lists strengths and areas needing improvement Collection & Analysis of Data
• Identify trends and patterns, both beneficial and detrimental to progress
• Prioritize areas of concern which will become district/school goals

Root Cause Analysis

Data team convenes task forces to determine root causes for high priority issues. Root Cause Analysis is a process aimed at identifying the root cause of problems or existing conditions.  The practice of root cause is predicated on the belief that problems are best solved by attempting to correct or eliminate root causes, as opposed to merely addressing the immediately obvious symptoms. By directing corrective measures at root causes, it is hoped that the likelihood of problem recurrence will be minimized.

Root Cause Analysis can be done many ways. Two suggestions are the “5 Whys” process, or by using a Fishbone diagram*

5 Whys Process

Five Whys is the practice of asking "Why?" at least five times in a row to determine the root cause of a problem.  Application of the strategy involves taking any problem and asking "Why: what caused this problem?"  By repeatedly asking the question "Why?", the layers of problem symptoms are peeled away and the root cause is identified.  Although this technique is called the five whys, the question "Why" many need to be asked more than five times. The cause determined through this process is the target for planned improvement.

Fishbone Diagram

The Fishbone diagram is a visual tool used to graphically organize possible causes for a specific problem by displaying them in increasing detail.  Understanding causes and their effects provides direction for improvement efforts.  The effect or problem is stated on the right side of the chart and the major influences or causes are listed on the left.

Fishbone Template

Determine Goals, Strategies, and Action Steps

• District leaders determine action steps to address strategies and goals.
• Assign persons responsible for implementing action steps, along with a timeline and resources.

Monitor and Assess Action Plan

• Data team meets regularly to review progress towards each goal.
• Data is brought to the data team at each meeting for purposes of monitoring progress.
• Mid-course corrections and revisions to the Action Plan take place based on data and stakeholder input.

Setting Specific Goals

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David Riel, Superintendent Fort Recovery Local Schools

LINKS:
SMART Goals

Using Graphs to Communicate