The 4 Data Steps 2.0

The principal at a K-8 school worked hard last year to implement the 4 Data Steps. They did a great job putting into place Data Step 1: Define and Data Step 2: Analyze and beginning to implement Data Step 3: Transform.

As we met to review their summer data, we celebrated positive results in Math. They increased their average 3-8 results, as measured by the state assessment, by 9%. (21% proficiency in 2023 to 30% proficiency in 2024). 

Some leaders may say 30% is nothing to celebrate. This notion would have been correct if you did not compare it to last year’s result. Last year, when this school conducted their root cause analysis (RCA), it identified a lack of curriculum and instructional strategies to teach math as a major obstacle. This prompted them to implement a new Math curriculum and pacing guide last school year. They focused on implementation and making the necessary changes to achieve results and it paid off. 

They are moving forward and that is a celebration!

When we met to discuss results this past summer, one member of the leadership team asked, "now that we are entering year 2, what’s next? Are there new data steps?"

One misconception is that the 4 Data steps are a one-time practice. You finish the 4 Steps; achieve your results and you are done.  We want to repeat what is working, a new school year begins, and it is time to repeat the 4 Data Steps and take it to the next level.  Last school year, I introduced the 4 Data Steps. This year – I will expand and go into 4 Data Steps 2.0, year 2 and the next level. 

We'll start reviewing the 4 data steps and what we accomplished last year. Then we will need to look at what needs to be done while we are in each of the data steps.  In my work, I use what I call data scaffolding.  Data scaffolding provides support to leaders and leadership teams as they master the concepts of what it will take to get results. My work focuses on 4 distinct steps in using data to achieve results. I designed it to be just 4 steps so that it would be easier to remember and to simplify the process to achieving your goals

To remember these steps, think of the word DATA:

When working with school leaders, we review the sub-steps or scaffolding that is needed to get to that next step. These steps are sequential, which means, you need to complete all the components of the current step before moving forward. How fast you can get to the next step depends on the knowledge and experiences of both you and your team. Every school will have the same data steps but what it looks like and the timeline to long-term results will definitely be different.

Just like there are different types of staircases, the type of staircase chosen depends on a few factors, such as one’s taste, space and/or resources. This is the same for Data Steps - these steps can look different depending on a leader’s and/or staff’s philosophy, training, and/or resources. However, it is the implementation of the steps that equals results. 

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

Over the course of this year, I will repeat the 4 data steps and go a little deeper to take you to the next level. If you are brand new to the 4 data steps, read last year’s blog posts to get started. 

This next month, I will re-focus on Step 1: Define. 

Here is a previous blog post that explains it: The First Step for Achieving Results (debradurma.com)

Data Step 1: Define 2.0

If you haven’t reviewed your data this past summer, start there. After that, identify your goals for the new school year.

During this time, many schools in Arizona have already started. The initial two weeks of school usually serve as a period for students and teachers to establish connections and build relationships, set expectations for learning goals, and solidify behavioral routines. As you begin your new school year key questions for school leaders to ask: 

• What are the observable things to look for, as you walk your school, to ensure you will reach your goals? 
• What are you going to do to have a strong start to the school year? 

Returning to the school story, the leadership reviewed their end-of-year math data, identified new goals, faced their facts, continued with the same data profile and moved to Data Step 2: conduct a root cause analysis (RCA). (More on RCA at Data step 2). They identified positive implementation areas to repeat and celebrated their success with staff during the back-to-school meetings. 

They also identified a challenge area to overcome this school year, teachers who were focused on getting through the program and curriculum last year. This was a good thing, however, they moved so quickly that they didn’t stop to support students who struggled.  Most teachers taught the lesson and if students did not understand it, they moved on. 

This occurs frequently when implementing a new program. It is very program-focused. The next step is to help teachers become student-focused. Although this is part of the transformation process in Step 3: Data Ownership, it all begins in Step 1: Define. Setting a good foundation with goals and your baseline data will help you understand how you will move forward.

The administrators and coaches on the team decided to gather their own data during the first 3 weeks of school. What does Math program implementation look like and who is using the program to meet student needs? They have identified 3 key math strategies that they will monitor. The teacher leaders on the team also identified 2 key student behaviors that they will look for when they are instructing math standards. Both groups will report back to the next leadership team to discuss the next steps. 

What is the next level and Define 2.0? 

Using this team as an example, their next step is to not only define student achievement goals using assessment data but also to define the instructional and student engagement practices it will take to reach those goals. 

Are you unhappy with your results and/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.  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.