How to Know if the Work is Working: Data and Dashboards

Abstract

Traditional data collection in education often focuses on the quantity of reach rather than impact, leaving out key parts of the story. Knowing how many workshops an institution hosts is insufficient; the crucial question is whether or not is our work, actually working. Evaluating the true impact of educational programs is challenging, especially in areas like Financial Literacy and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, where data can be qualitative. Comprehensive data collection with textual analysis and visualization is vital to address this. Tools like Power BI and Tableau transform raw data into compelling narratives, allowing educators to assess program success by examining demographics, financial capabilities, and students' understanding of financial concepts. This approach not only tailors resources to specific identities but also explores intersectionality. The resulting dashboards serve internal purposes, enabling trend identification that lends to engagement opportunities and improvements, and externally, aiding in department reviews and securing funding. Overall, robust data practices empower educators to share impactful stories, support informed decision-making, advocate for continued support, and ultimately reinforce our "Why."