Presenting a Technical Report Comparing Two Local Schools Providence’s Nathan Bishop and Cranston’s Hugh B. Bain Presented by Sharlene Rossi Frequently, presenters must deliver material of a technical nature to an audience unfamiliar with the topic or vocabulary. The material may be complex or heavy with detail. To present technical material effectively, use the following guidelines from Dale Carnegie Training®.   Consider the amount of time available and prepare to organize your material. Narrow your topic. Divide your presentation into clear segments. Follow a logical progression. Maintain your focus throughout. Close the presentation with a summary, repetition of the key steps, or a logical conclusion. Keep your audience in mind at all times. For example, be sure data is clear and information is relevant. Keep the level of detail and vocabulary appropriate for the audience. Use visuals to support key points or steps. Keep alert to the needs of your listeners, and you will have a more receptive audience. Copyright 1996-98 © Dale Carnegie & Associates, Inc.

Math Proficiency Category-Skills Nathan Bishop-----16% of students achieved the state standard------------------ ---------------------------84% did not reach the states standard for proficiency Hugh B. Bain------- 52% of students achieved the state standard------------------ --------------------------48% did not In your opening, establish the relevancy of the topic to the audience. Give a brief preview of the presentation and establish value for the listeners. Take into account your audience’s interest and expertise in the topic when choosing your vocabulary, examples, and illustrations. Focus on the importance of the topic to your audience, and you will have more attentive listeners.

Math Proficiency Category: Problem Solving Bishop 6% meet standard Bain 25% meet standard

Dramatic Differences

Ethnicity and Economics Student Descriptors Ethnicity and Economics

Ethnic Backgrounds Bishop-- 44% Hispanic 35% Black 15% white 5% Asian Bain-- 16% Hispanic 7% Black 67% White 10% Asian

74% of students at Nathan Bishop are eligible for free and reduced lunch 52% of students at Bain are eligible for free and reduced lunch

Shocking and Revealing Statistics 17% of teachers at Nathan Bishop responded to the state’s SALT SURVEY 100% of teachers at BAIN responded to the state’s SALT SURVEY

Suspension rates per 100 students enrolled Bishop has a 208.3% suspension rate Bain has a 5.7% suspension rate THIS IS NOT A TYPO BISHOP HAS A 208.3% SUSPENSION RATE

Math Proficiency Category: Concepts Nathan Bishop---3% of students reached the state standard------------------------------- ------------------------97% did not Bain---16 % of students reached the state standard----------=------------------------ ------------------------84% did not If you have several points, steps, or key ideas use multiple slides. Determine if your audience is to understand a new idea, learn a process, or receive greater depth to a familiar concept. Back up each point with adequate explanation. As appropriate, supplement your presentation with technical support data in hard copy or on disc, e-mail, or the Internet. Develop each point adequately to communicate with your audience.

Conclusion Each school has differences in the ethnic make-up of its student population. Both schools have more than 50% of their students living below federal poverty level. Salt Survey response data must be interpreted as teacher disengagement and dissatisfaction at Bishop and indicate the opposite for Bain. Bishops excessive suspension rate is a blazing red flag pointing at one of the problems in student achievement. Determine the best close for your audience and your presentation. Close with a summary; offer options; recommend a strategy; suggest a plan; set a goal. Keep your focus throughout your presentation, and you will more likely achieve your purpose.