Group Efforts, Part One: Getting To Know IDC’s Data Manager Data Quality Peer Group

00:00:01.52 >> You're listening to "A Date with Data" with your host, Amy Bitterman.

00:00:07.34 >> Hey, it's Amy, and I'm so excited to be hosting "A Date with Data." I'll be chatting with state and district special education staff who, just like you, are dealing with IDEA data every day.

00:00:19.50 >> "A Date with Data" is brought to you by the IDEA Data Center.

00:00:24.65 >> Hello, welcome to "A Date with Data." We are kicking off a special series of episodes focusing on IDC's data quality peer groups. These groups are facilitated by IDC TA providers to bring state role groups together to discuss and collaborate on the data-quality issues that are of greatest importance in states. For this episode, I am joined by the facilitators of the Data Manager Data Quality Peer Group, Kelley Blas and Kristen DeSalvatore. Thank you so much for being here and welcome.

00:00:56.74 >> Thanks, Amy. Thanks for having us.

00:00:59.78 >> Yes, thanks, Amy. It's a pleasure to be here.

00:01:03.13 >> So to start things off for those who might not be familiar with these peer groups, can you tell us what these peer groups are like? Who tends to participate in this particular group? What is the structure and the format like? And what are some of the topics that you cover?

00:01:19.76 >> The Data Manager Data Quality Peer Group is a space for folks to come together to discuss and learn all things IDEA data. As IDC facilitators, we provide timely information and resources, but there is also sharing by the states and learning from each other.

00:01:41.45 >> I agree with that, Kristen. Though we discuss topics each month, the bulk of the learning comes from the discussion and information that states bring forward. We set the stage, and then they take it from there and support each other. It’s also an opportunity for networking.

00:02:10.15 >> The name probably says it—data managers are part of this group.

00:02:15.25 >> All IDEA Part B data managers are welcome.

00:02:19.56 >> They can also invite other staff in the SEA who would benefit. Meetings are held virtually on Zoom once a month. IDC comes prepared with a structured PowerPoint, and there is ample time and encouragement for interaction and dialogue with IDC and other states. Discussion and collaboration on IDEA data subjects are open—whether on the agenda or not.

00:03:13.49 >> We also give states an opportunity to share their resources. If we’re talking about a 618 data collection and a state has a resource, we invite them to share it. States that use IDC-developed resources may share how they use them for pre-edit checks, data quality, or public reporting. We like states to demonstrate their own tools as well as IDC tools.

00:04:09.88 >> Seeing how other states tackle challenges is one of the best parts—states can piggyback off each other and follow up offline to adapt resources.

00:04:44.44 >> It’s wonderful when states ask for each other’s contact info and follow up to take advantage of knowledge in one state that could be useful in another.

00:04:59.92 >> Another positive aspect is that it feels like a safe space. Calls aren’t recorded and the group is smaller, so folks may be more willing to share concerns, data issues, and resources openly.

00:05:47.15 >> We cover IDEA data collection and reporting from A to Z—from requirements through submission. SPP/APR is always big, and EDFacts timelines and processes come up frequently. We also work hard to make sure states know about IDC resources and services—many are not aware of everything available.

00:06:54.32 >> Each month we touch on the data submission calendar and a comprehensive list of resources. There are often “a-ha” moments when states learn about resources they hadn’t known about.

00:08:52.39 >> Recently, common themes include SPP/APR issues—gathering data, writing the APR, submission issues, responding to OSEP-required actions, and clarification. There’s also frustration and confusion about differences between significant discrepancy and significant disproportionality, Indicator 4 thresholds, and deeper dives into documentation and processes.

00:09:54.52 >> States have shared how helpful it is to work with IDC liaisons to document data processes, especially when preparing for DMS 2.0. Indicator 18 and general supervision also come up often, and many are looking forward to new tools (like an Indicator 18 calculator).

00:11:11.72 >> A big topic is public reporting dashboards—states are developing or redesigning dashboards and share drafts, ask questions, and collaborate on how to present indicators (like Indicator 7) in BI tools. States often follow up after calls to learn more about what others are doing.

00:12:38.34 >> We had a rich discussion about making data more digestible for stakeholders—states chimed in with strategies and challenges.

00:14:28.33 >> A practical tip that came up: a state shared the Hemingway Editor as a tool to help make writing clearer and more understandable (including readability/grade level). Another “tip” is simply learning about resources and services available through IDC—many are surprised by how much exists.

00:16:08.82 >> We also listen for changes happening in real time (for example, EDFacts file specification changes) and then bring clarifications back to the group.

00:17:50.55 >> Thank you, Kelley and Kristen, so much for being on. You shared such great information about this wonderful group.

00:18:07.93 >> To access podcast resources, submit questions related to today's episode, or share ideas for future topics, the links are in the episode content or connect with us via the podcast page on the IDC website at ideadata.org.