Archived Resources

This session demonstrated creative ways data are being displayed to tell the story of IDEA and other data. Participants heard from states that are displaying data in ways that tell data stories and convey meaning to stakeholders and the public. Participants also saw ways to access various online federal education data. This session offered participants online resources and websites about effective data displays.

IDC staff provided an introduction to data visualization approaches that are particularly useful for presenting IDEA data for the public. Participants learned simple strategies, chart types, and report styles that can be used to visualize the state’s data using Microsoft Excel, PowerPoint, and free online tools. Presenters also provided a set of activities so participants can continue developing their capacity in follow-up to the interactive institute.

This session focused on how to best communicate high-quality data by applying different strategies to prepare data for dissemination and use. Topics covered in this session included the importance of understanding the audience, how stakeholder needs can vary when understanding and interpreting data, why data governance is a key component in planning data communication activities, and why accessibility is important. This session highlighted sections of the Data Use component of the IDEA Data Center Part B Data System Framework.

In this workshop, states set the stage by telling a story of how they engage stakeholders using data visualization techniques for effective communication. Session presenters introduced the IDC Part B Indicator Data Display Wizard to help states create data displays quickly and easily using SPP/APR data. In an interactive activity, participants discussed their current experiences with data use and communication and how the IDC Part B Indicator Data Display Wizard can help them create or improve a state’s current data visualization and communication process.

After a State determines that a district has significant disproportionality, what are the next steps? Presenters and session participants discussed how states can identify technical assistance and available tools and resources to help LEAs identify root causes and implement action steps, including CEIS, to make substantive improvement.

The required measurements for APR Indicators B3, B4, B5, B6, B9, and B10 (the assessment, discipline, LRE, and disproportionality indicators) are based on Section 618 data. This session focused on selected section 618 data submissions and how the data can be explored to provide more in-depth information for use in discussion with state’s APR stakeholders. Presenters demonstrated some practical methods for taking a deeper look at data in the IDEA EDFacts file submissions using readily available data analysis tools (Microsoft Excel).

With the U.S. Department of Education’s recent publication of an NPRM on Significant Disproportionality, questions abounded regarding what such a rule would mean for states and districts. This session began with a brief history of the statutes and regulations related to significant disproportionality. The majority of the session focused on the similarities and differences between the current regulation and the proposed rule and what effects these may have on states.