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  4. Introduction
  5. Make Sense of Data
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Make Sense of Data

SP_Chpt 4p3To really understand and use data, you will need to organize and summarize it. Then, you can see how it might help to answer your questions.

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.

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

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

Ability to work effectively with diverse team members to achieve shared goals

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

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