HOW TO ENSURE A DATA SYSTEM
IS USEFUL AND USABLE

A PAS data system will need access to data from multiple data systems like K-12 data systems, postsecondary data systems, department of labor data systems, and other local, state, and federal data systems that contain student information that can be used to support student success.

To be useful, the data systems for the PAS should be able to communicate updates regularly to create up-to-date reports.

The PAS data system itself should also be easy for end-users to navigate and use to create reports and monitor student progress, Ideally the PAS data system also includes the capability to track and document individual student interventions.

Disparate data systems do not routinely communicate seamlessly with each other, which can cause problems for the system to provide up-to-date reports. PAS users are more likely to actively use data when accessing the system is easy and part of their normal work flow.

(Click the above image for a PDF version of the resources on this page)

HOW TO MAKE IT HAPPEN

The College Readiness Indicator Systems (CRIS) initiative outlines seven key strategies for building a strong data infrastructure.

  • Address the problem of fragmented data systems
  • Work to improve data quality
  • Select data tools that users can use within the flow of their work
  • Invest in resources that promote collaboration among central office departments to facilitate data sharing and collaborative decision-making
  • Obtain access to postsecondary data
  • Enlist teacher participation in all stages of implementation

EXEMPLARS IN PRACTICE


Essential Elements in Implementation

John W. Gardner Center for Youth and Their Communities; Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University; and UChicago Consortium on Chicago School Research
May 2014
This report explains how to build a strong data infrastructure through seven key strategies. Each strategy is explained and examples from the field are provided.


Eight strategies for a successful early warning system

Education Advisory Board
September 2016
This article provides eight lessons for consideration when establishing an EWS at the college level. The author suggests making the data system simple, all-inclusive, and flexible, while ensuring the privacy of sensitive student data.


Modeling an IT Strategy for Student Success

EduCause Review
November 2016
This article is written to encourage universities and college to architect their IT strategy for student success. The article provides a table of systems needed to answer key questions. It also provides a case study from two universities.

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