Data Dive

What:

A diverse group of participants/students observe and disaggregate data that has been collected. A “data dive” or data committee group can pull out key findings, trends and identify missing variables. This is another tool that could be used to take a dive in understanding students through their data from an adult perspective; however, engaging students in a “data dive” allows active student voice and elicits student perspective to elevate the meaning making of the conversation.

How to do it:

1. As a group define your goal or the outcome you want to achieve by disaggregating the data.

2. Identify what data you plan to “dive” into, its source, and the purpose of the data collection.

3. As a group, determine if there are any other data sources that need to be included in the data story.

4. Share and review the data.

5. Discuss data review questions with the group.

6. Did the survey or data tool adequately measure the skill or provide maximum feedback?

7. What trends or themes are you noticing? What stands out to you?

8. Draw conclusions on the data themes and trends.

9. As a group, determine the next steps that should include strategic action steps and a plan that addresses what was identified in the data collection process.

10. Implement the action steps with fidelity.

11. Reevaluate the fidelity of your action plan, along with its strengths and weaknesses.

Things to Consider:

• Create a Data Wall for a visual representation of the data you are reviewing.

• Consider location: Create a safe, interactive space for data display, a confidential location, and/or confidential display method for reviewing the data.

• Virtual data wall platforms can include Google Slides, Google Sheets, Lino Sticky and Photo Sharing, etc.

• Grouping data by different demographics can elevate various patterns.

• Encourage participants to be curious about the data and how environmental factors may impact the data.

• A data dive can help show change over time and provide a non-threatening form of accountability.

• Creating a common graphic organizer with notes on data findings can help build collaboration within the data dive.

Take It to the Next Level:

Leveling Up Towards the Leadership End of the Spectrum of Student Voice-Oriented Activity

• Engage students in identifying the goals of this activity

• Consider how students can provide leadership from facilitating the activity, making meaning of the data collected, and advising how the data is used.

• Consider how the process itself can be used with student and school leaders and other adults as a process to inform data meaning-making.