Data Use

Data Use is the understanding and application of data to make decisions on program management and improvement.

Tools & Tips

Data Flow Workbook

This workbook will help you through the process of creating a graphical flowchart to document and communicate your State’s needs and challenges for obtaining and using data. The workbook includes information about creating flowcharts and an accompanying data management workbook to guide you through a detailed look at the data you collect and manage. It uses a general model of the data collection process from intake until student exit to help you understand data flow in your state or adult education program.

NRS Data Flow and Planning Workbook

Developing an NRS Report Card: State Examples

State adult education agencies develop and use report cards to show stakeholders the value of the adult education program including whom they serve what outcomes those adult participants achieve. Here are a few report card examples from states that participated in the NRS online facilitated course in March 2015 on the topic of developing state and local report cards.

Visit the Online Courses page to find the 4-part self-directed course on Developing Report Cards for Adult Education.

Washington Report Card Example

Building Professional Learning Communities (2015 COABE Presentation)

How can your state or local program benefit from using professional learning communities? The NRS support project offered practical tips and a planning tool at the COABE conference in April 2015. Find the presentation materials below.

Building Professional Learning Communities (2015 COABE Powerpoint Presentation)

Building Professional Learning Communities (2015 COABE Powerpoint Handouts)

Guides

Guide to Learning to be an NRS Data Detective: The Five Sides of the NRS

This guide focuses on five sides to making NRS work: two foundational elements that must be in place to collect and use data (data collection policies and procedures and a state data system) and policies and procedures in three areas (assessment, goal setting, and follow-up measures) for collecting NRS core outcomes.

Archived documents are available upon request by sending an email to nrs@air.org with the name or description of the document.

Supporting the Use of Data Through Professional Development

This resource guide promotes professional development for local programs to support the use of accurate and reliable data for decision making and program improvement.