4 Steps for Using Data to Achieve Results

In working with school leaders and leadership teams over the past 20 years, I have discovered specific actions that lead to results.  Many schools collect data; however ,not all schools are achieving consistent results. This occurs because they run into barriers that block them from reaching their goals. I created these data steps to give school leaders a simple blueprint for achieving results. 

When you think about scaffolding instruction, it resembles a staircase where every new concept has its own step. Rather than delivering complicated content all at once and testing for understanding at the end, instruction is given in distinct segments, providing less support as students master new concepts. 

In my work, I use what I call data scaffolding in a similar way. Data scaffolding provides support to leadership teams as they master the concepts of what it takes to get results. My work focuses on 4 distinct steps in using data to achieve results. Why 4? - Because it is easy for you to remember and simplifies the process to achieving your goals.

To remember these steps, think of the word DATA:

D: Define

A: Analyze

T: Transform

A: Achieve

When working with school leaders, we review the sub-steps or scaffolding that is needed to achieve each one of the 4 main data steps.  They are sequential in nature. If you have step 1 in place, go on to step 2. If you do not have all components of step 1 in place, start at step 1.   The speed at which you move through the steps depends on your knowledge and the experiences of your staff. Though the data steps are all the same for each school, what it looks like and the timeline for long-term results is different in every school. (However, you can build in quick wins on step 1 to build momentum!)

Just like there are different types of staircases from a straight staircase to a staircase with a central landing, to an L-shaped, curved, or spiral staircase, etc., the type of staircase chosen depends on a few factors, such as one’s taste, space and/or resources. The same is true for these Data steps – depending on a leader’s and/or staff’s philosophy, training, and/or resources, these steps can look different from school to school. However, it is the implementation of the steps that equals results. 

Over the next couple of months, I will be sharing more information and strategies for each data step. They have worked for many schools to achieve results and it will work for you too! Come back next week for more on Step 1: Define. 

THERE IS NO ELEVATOR TO SUCCESS - YOU HAVE TO TAKE THE STAIRS!    Anonymous

Are you unhappy with your results or feeling overwhelmed by data? If so, contact me for more information on STAR Leadership School-Student Data Solutions Training. This training will guide you through the 4 data steps and give you a blueprint for achieving results. This training is individualized and tailored to your data, your needs, your staff, your students, and your best route to achieve results.