Using Data in Your College Using Data in Your College Admission Counseling Admission Counseling

ProgramProgram

Using Data in Your College Using Data in Your College Admission Counseling Admission Counseling

ProgramProgramMASCA Fall ConferenceMASCA Fall Conference

October 23, 2007October 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– 1st 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

• www.naviance.com

– Advocate• www.inresonance.com

– Connectedu• www.connectedu.net

– PrepHQ• www.myfootpath.com

Collecting data (continued)

• Access• Excel• Create your own method of record

keeping

Access Database fields

Excel Spreadsheet

Analyzing Data

• EZ-Analyze– www.ezanalyze.com

• 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 ExampleWestfield State College

400

600

800

1000

1200

1400

1600

55 65 75 85 95

Accept

Deny

Placement Report Example

Placement Data Report

Evaluation of your program

• Surveys, questionnaires– Online vs. paper

• www.suverymonkey.com• www.counselingsurveys.org

• 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

• http://www.masca.org/pdf_05_06/Marc%20edits%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– www.cescal.org

• Center for School Counseling Outcome Research– www.cscor.org

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 BardwellSchool Counselor & Director of GuidanceMonson High School55 Margaret StreetMonson, MA 01057413.267.4589x1107bardwellr@monsonschools.com