The Key to Continuous School Improvement Introduction Using data to decide on specific actions to take that will result in students meeting and exceeding high standards is the purpose of Action Planning. This is the process of continuous improvement. Student performance is the beginning and the end in the process of continuous improvement. Only student data and data on those things that are directly related to improving student performance on standards are to be examined and dealt with in action planning.
Schools are in different places with regards to action planning.
Since it is difficult to understand data without having a context, and difficult to use data without understanding the characteristics of some types of data, this chapter tries to share information about data within the context of using it. Remember that as you examine your data, your ultimate goal is to have ALL students meeting and exceeding high standards. Your reward for using data is equity and excellence in student learning.