The Data Ladder of Inference is a cyclical process that generates insights from data, and uses these insights to inform our decisions and drive continuous improvement.

Further Explanation:

The Data Ladder of Inference guides us through analyzing data and identifying root causes to improve our decisions.

It will allow us to use data to check if the decisions we made are working as intended. We will answer "what is happening?" questions such as:

• What is our progress to goal?
• What went well? What are our bright spots?
• What didn't go as well? What are our challenge areas?

The discipline incorporated into this process will help us move beyond the surface level “what is happening” to find deeper trends, valuable insights, and root causes. We will answer "why" for the "what is happening?" questions above.

Why is it important?

The Data Ladder of Inference will allow us to continually improve by replicating and scaling the insights from brights spots and solving our challenge areas.

What does it look like in the Data Collaborative?

Within the Data Collaborative our decisions include setting our goals, processes, and actions associated with the Reading Success Pathway (RSP 1.0), Evidence Based Practices (EBP 2.0), and Implementation (IMP 3.0) pillars. We will use the Data Ladder of Inference in combination with Improvement Cycles to continuously improve our decisions and ultimately achieve better student literacy outcomes.

Data Ladder of Inference Rungs

Resources