Why do we collect Data?

Good quality data fundamentally underpins all the best service provision.  We can believe a program or practice is the “best”, but without data and information that supports decision making, our best intentions can still produce bad results.

At the Office of Prevention we highly value accurate information used to define not only problems, but solutions.  We use data to make informed decisions and to identify critical needs.  Being data driven helps to shape every step we take in our prevention and intervention efforts.

All the best, most effective efforts are:

• Data Driven -  collected records & information form the basis for making decisions about effectiveness.
• Research-Based – the best practice utilization with methods already proven to work on the specific problem.
• Results oriented – is it working?  if not, change it!
  
  

What do we do with Data?

This diagnostic/prescriptive approach should be utilized for any initiative – academically related or not. It will work for academic problems or behavioral problems, and is how the most effective schools operate.  A great way to view the data analysis process is with this continuous flow chart:

How do we collect Data?

There are numerous methods of data collection, but the best are scientifically developed ones that have been already proven to be reliable and valid. Better yet, utilize more than one method!

Some methods utilized within school systems are:

• Discipline Data
  • Expulsions
  • Front Office Discipline Referrals
  • Internal or External Suspension Referrals
• Observational methods
  • Common Area Observations
  • Classroom Observances
• School Mapping
• Attendance
• District Drop-Out Rate (Middle and High Schools only)
• Focus groups
• Surveys: comprehensive or single focus
• Interviews
• Study circles
• Participatory action research