Data Advocacy

Getting Started

Data plays an integral role in informing districts, schools, and communities of successful trends and in identifying critical areas for improvement. It can also play an important role in advocating for change. However, given the complexity and quantity of available education data, key stakeholders often feel overwhelmed when trying to determine how to leverage it to make improvements for students. However, the complexities of working with data for advocacy can be overcome by:

1. Connecting the WHY or purpose of advocacy and data collection to a framework;

2. Understanding HOW to leverage and analyze data effectively to support advocacy efforts; and

3. Knowing WHAT data is needed to advocate successfully.

While working with data may seem daunting, leveraging data remains fundamental for informing action. When supported by data, advocacy efforts can help align and advise new policies and revise current ones that affect whether students experience an equitable, effective, and engaging education.