Summary of Data Step 1: DEFINE

Reaching our school goals begins with a single step and that first step can set the tone for it. As school leaders, we are constantly facing challenges in guiding our schools towards success. This journey isn't always straightforward, but taking off on the right foot can make all the difference. Let us now lay the groundwork for what we want our schools to become and start shaping the experiences of our students and staff.

Before we move on to the next data step, let’s review Data Step 1 and the sub-steps discussed:

• Identify success targets and SMART goals.
• Identify short-term goals for long-term results.
• Empower teachers to accomplish your school goals by involving them in the goal-setting process, data analysis, and decision-making.
• Evaluate your goals in relationship to your state and district expectations.
• Inspire and share the goals at every level: staff, students, and community.
• Create an atmosphere of data ownership.
• Identify your data gauges.
• Streamline your data and create a data profile.

Your staff's strengths and needs will determine how long it takes to finish Data Step 1 and lay a solid foundation. Whether they are from outside the district or within it, bringing in an outside facilitator can help you move through this process at a speed that will support the progress of every member of your team.

There is nothing wrong with implementing multiple strategies at the same time or taking massive action. However, in my experience, not many colleges are able to pull this off well. It is usually simpler to focus on the first one or two steps and then proceed from there. To get better results, start small, accumulate quick wins, gather momentum, and never stop trying.

Once you have clearly defined your SMART goals and success targets, establish a process to share those goals with all levels of the school. Identify your gauges and current levels of achievement and develop a school data profile aligned to goals. After this, you are now ready for the next step: Analyze.

With that in mind, reflect on these questions:

• Which Define Steps do you feel are the most successful and how do they positively impact your achievement results?
• Which Define Steps need some attention and how do they negatively impact your achievement results?
• After analyzing these, you need to set a commitment:
• What will you do next to move forward with the secrets on the Define step?

• Reflect on the prior year’s successes and challenges.
• Review last year’s goals (Who met the goal? Who did not meet the goal?) and identify specific support/training goals for each teacher based on that information. 
• Ensure that everyone knows and understands the goals.
• Establish a school environment where everyone would be capable of achieving those goals. This may require differentiating your support for teachers. 
• Identify relevant data that you will monitor to achieve your school goals.
• Implement steps to correct gauges and update your data profile. If your data profile worked last year, add a deeper level this year.

The steps to school success require commitment and care. It’s about creating an environment where every student can thrive, where each teacher feels supported, and where everyone works together towards common goals. Remember that success comes from the consistent efforts of the entire school community working hand in hand. Ultimately, it is our responsibility to lay a strong foundation for a school where both students and staff can achieve their best.

If you are looking for support analyzing your data and identifying your next leadership steps in this new school year, request a FREE consultation call with me. Fill in the Contact Form Link: https://debradurma.com/contact-us 

Type in “Yes” for “Are you Interested in STAR Leadership Data Solutions?” You will receive a follow-up email with the next step to schedule a phone call to discuss your needs and questions.

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.