Using Your Data to Foster Improvement

1
Using Your Data to Foster Improvement

• AKA Building Capacity to Improve Transition
  Education and Outcomes
• Paula D. Kohler, Ph.D.
• Western Michigan University

2
Session Overview

• Data about using data
• Conceptualizing strategies for program
  improvement
• A New Mexico example
• Table brainstorming

3
From Abt Associates Inc. (2005, March). Final 2nd
Interim Report (2002-2003 School Year), The Study
of State and Local Implementation and Impact of
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Study reports and data tables are available at
http//abt.sliidea.org.
4
From Abt Associates Inc. (2005, March). Final 2nd
Interim Report (2002-2003 School Year), The Study
of State and Local Implementation and Impact of
the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Study reports and data tables are available at
http//abt.sliidea.org.
5
Our Challenge

• How do we link what weve learned from transition
  research with practices in our schools and
  communities ?

6
Our Challenge

• To determine our needs based on our performance.

7
Our Challenge

• To address our needs in efficient and meaningful
  ways.

8
NSTTACs Model for ExtendingTransition Research
Effective Transition Practices
Increase Capacity to Implement Effective
Transition Practices
Facilitate Implementation of Effective Transition
Practices
Technical Assistance
Data Collection
Professional Development
Policy Analysis and Change
9
NSTTACs Model for ExtendingTransition Research
10
Self-Determination Model
Reflect on How and What We are Doing
Determine Our Strengths and Needs
Set Goals
Develop Plans and Implement
Identify and Seek Support
Assess Our Progress
Modify Our Goals
11
NSTTACs Self-Determination ModelLevels of Focus
12
Conceptualizing State Agency Roles and Policy
Tools

STATE ED AGENCY
Policy Tools Mandates Inducements Capacity
Building System Change
Roles Leadership Professional Development Funding
and Other Resources Policy Compliance
Regional and Local Education Agencies
Students and Families
13
Pre-requisites for Change

• Collaboration among program and monitoring
  staff at all levels
• Context for planning
• Context for implementation that facilitates
  continuous improvement

14
For example

• New Mexico model

15
Reflection ActivityInstructions

• Use the Using Data for Program Improvement
  worksheet in your binder
• With your colleagues at your table
• Identify at least one way program and monitoring
  staff in your state are collaborating to use data
  for program improvement
• Identify at least one way the data are used to
  plan and address capacity building

16
Contact Information

• Paula D. Kohler, Ph.D., paula.kohler_at_wmich.edu
• NSTTAC
• Dept. of Special Education and Literacy Studies
• Career Connections Research Center
• 3506 Sangren Hall
• Western Michigan University
• Kalamazoo, MI 49008
• Phone [phone]
• Fax [phone]
• www.wmich.edu/ccrc
• http//homepages.wmich.edu/kohlerp