Make Sense of Data

Try Different Formats
You can present results in formats that range from a list of bullet points to a full report with tables, charts, graphs and detailed explanations. Basic spreadsheet software can produce meaningful and colorful charts and graphs.
Find Skilled Help
You may consider getting help with data analysis and report preparation from a variety of sources.
- If the program is using an external evaluator, ask that professional for support in organizing and understanding the data
- School district research and evaluation staff know the data and how to think about displaying information.
- Your partners may have team members with research and data analysis experience.
- Local universities are good places to look for research staff, statistics professors or graduate students.
- Check with the school or district to find high school students who like to work with data.
- Look for interest and expertise among your students' family members.
Make the Data Tell Your Story
Want your results to be easy to understand? Graphs and charts are good ways to present information and generate discussion.
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Introduction
- 1Overview
- 2Key Terms
- 3Strengthening Partnerships Diagram
- 4Partnership Benefits
- 5Build on Strengths
- 6Potential Partners
- 7Partner Inventory
- 8Find Partners
- 9Strategies for Getting Started
- 10Identify Your Needs
- 11Identify Resources
- 12Summarize Your Needs
- 13Map Community Resources
- 14Consider How to Select Partners
- 15Create Partnerships
- 16Establish a Common Vision
- 17Clarify & Communicate Roles & Responsibilities
- 18Create an Advisory Board
- 19Communicate Regularly
- 20Share Data
- 21Ask Questions, Collect Data
- 22Make Sense of Data
- 23Distribute and Discuss
- 24Keep it Legal
- 25Final Reflection
- 26Learn More Library
- 27Acknowledgements
- 28Congratulations
- 29Check for Understanding
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Implementation Strategies
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Coaching My Staff
My Notebook
Strengthening Partnerships
The Notebook is a useful way to jot down notes as you go through the various topics available on the You For Youth website. If you'd like to use the notebook, please sign in if you already have an account or register now to join the Y4Y community!
Glossary
Strengthening Partnerships
Show Strengthening Partnerships Glossary
A group of school staff, partner representatives, and possibly students, that monitors partnership progress toward meeting its goals; recommended for all partnerships but most beneficial for schools and districts with a large number of partners
A term often used to describe programs that offer student instruction and enrichment activities during nonschool hours (see also: out-of-school time, increased learning time)
Practical process for locating resources, knowledge and expertise in a community
Any of several types of organizations that serve or are located in your community, including businesses, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, health care organizations and government agencies
Federal legislation that protects a student's personally identifiable information (PII)
The Elementary and Secondary Education Act requires that every school district and every school receiving Title I dollars must have a written parent engagement policy and must build school capacity to effectively implement the policy. The policy must be developed jointly with, approved by, and distributed to parents of participating children and the local community. As a school partner, a 21st CCLC program can be very important to implementing and sustaining the parent engagement plan. Copies of the plan should be available from school and district offices, and may be available on their websites.
A written agreement that establishes a formal working relationship between two partnering organizations; generally includes details such as the services to be provided, the responsible party, and the time period
A formal or informal process to identify and prioritize the differences between services that are currently available and services that are necessary to serve students and families; for example, a lack of a dance program and a high interest level among students indicating the need for a dance program
The ability of a school or community organization to provide resources or services for students
Hours outside of the regular school day, and they are often used for student enrichment activities that augment regular school-time instruction. Out-of-school time can occur before or after school, or in the summer.
A systematic process designed to build understanding about how a program works and what results it produces; this could include monitoring participation and attendance or comparing students who participate in a program with those who do not participate
A process used to identify potential partners in a geographic area; this can be initiated through direct contact with organizations or by reviewing Internet websites
A partnership that includes a common vision, goals, defined roles and shared responsibilities; one that involves both open communication and regular data sharing
Students are invited to express opinions and make choices about planning and implementing their own learning experiences