Using Data in Your College Admission Counseling Program MASCA Fall Conference October 23, 2007

Agenda Why do we use data Types of data Collecting data Analyzing data Reporting of data Evaluation of program Cautions about using data Questions & conversation

Why Do We Use Data? It improves our programs and the services for students and families Students benefit from it You probably already have it Others are using it We are accountable Why not?

Types of data Placement data –Student name –Gender –Counselor –SAT scores, GPA, Rank –Colleges to which student applied & decision –Major –Special needs –Final Plans – Military, employment, college attending

Types of data (continued) Standardized testing data –SAT/ACT/PSAT/AP data Does it impact curriculum? Does it determine programs/interventions? Does it help, hurt or make no difference? Demographic data –1 st generation; under-represented; low income

Types of data (continued) School data –Attendance –Discipline –Grades –Curriculum EX: # of AP/Honors classes Historical data

Collecting data Commercial programs –Naviance –Advocate –Connectedu –PrepHQ

Collecting data (continued) Access Excel Create your own method of record keeping

Access Database fields

Excel Spreadsheet

Analyzing Data EZ-Analyze – Using Access or Excel Test Wiz

Reporting of Data Scattergrams –Grade Point Average (x axis) vs. SAT’s (y axis) Other reports –Access Report –Placement percentages

Scattergram Example

Placement Report Example

Placement Data Report

Evaluation of your program Surveys, questionnaires –Online vs. paper Pre & post surveys –Gives immediate feedback about the need or impact of your program/intervention

Pre & Post Survey Examples

Sharing Your Data Celebrate what you find –School Profile –MARC of Excellence 0edits%20rev3gray.dochttp:// 0edits%20rev3gray.doc –Press release, faculty meeting or school board presentation, parent programs, etc.

Cautions About Using Data Data doesn’t always give you the information you want College admissions is not an exact science Data shouldn’t take the place of human connection/intervention

Resources to assist you with data Evidence-Based School Counseling: Making a Difference With Data- Driven Practices –Dimmitt, Carey & Hatch Making Data Work: An ASCA National Model Publication –Kaffenberger & Young

Resources to assist you with data (continued) Center for Excellence in School Counseling & Leadership – Center for School Counseling Outcome Research –

Next steps –Create an action plan Pick one item to do upon your return to school –Educate your colleagues about what you learned –Attend further training about using data –Get other stakeholders on board –Celebrate your accomplishment(s)

Questions & conversations What is not clear? What more do you need? How can we help each other? Who wants to share a success with data?

For more information Bob Bardwell School Counselor & Director of Guidance Monson High School 55 Margaret Street Monson, MA x1107