1. Data: A Four Step Process Colorado Early Childhood Councils November 19,2009

2. Data: A Four Step Process Step 1 ASK QUESTIONS! Remember, a good question will: –Ask something you don’t already know –Be specific –Guide data collection –Focus on things that can actually be changed or improved –Pass the “So What?” test

3. Data: A Four Step Process Step 2 COLLECT DATA Good data will: –Relate to your original questions! –Be fairly simple (and affordable) to obtain –Be reliable enough for your purposes

4. Data: A Four Step Process Step 3 ANALYZE DATA Analysis REALLY means: –Make sense of the data! –Organize the data Describe, illustrate, recap and condense the data Count; subtotal; find averages, proportions and trends –Be as unbiased as you can possibly be

5. Data: A Four Step Process Step 4 COMMUNICATE THE DATA Effective data communication will: –Tell a compelling story –Be visual Graphics are powerful –Do more with less –Bring the numbers to life, without misleading!

6. Data: A Four Step Process