Step 3: Analyze the data

Data is analyzed through three lenses, that when brought together, show clear patterns that provide focus for improvement plans and strategies.

The three lenses are -

• Achievement patterns
• Student patterns
• Program patterns

Achievement patterns require the school improvement team to analyze performance results by grade and subject and then by skill patterns in a subject. The object of this analysis is to determine strengths, weaknesses, and patterns. Reviewing the individual achievement of students serves as the bridge between program and demographic data. An example of a sample pattern may be poor performance in a particular subject.

Student patterns require the school improvement team to analyze performance results based upon student demographic information. The object of this analysis is to determine how various groups of students are performing. An example of a sample pattern may be poor performance by students with behavior/social problems.

Program patterns require the school improvement team to analyze performance results based upon education program information. The object of this analysis is to determine how successful the program is in increasing student achievement. An example of a sample pattern may be poor performance in a segment of students who took particular classes together.