Data Rich, Information Poor: How K12 Data and Analytics Can Improve Student Outcomes

School districts are collecting more data than ever before, from student performance to behavior, attendance, and more. Despite this abundance of data, many district leaders struggle to use it effectively to improve student outcomes, and to make an impact on overall school district improvement. This results in a phenomenon known as being data rich, information…

Curriculum Leadership: How to Utilize Data and Analytics to be More Effective At Your School District

As a curriculum leader in a school district, your role is crucial to ensuring the success of students. One of the most effective ways to achieve success is by understanding how the use of data and analytics has the potential to impact school improvement efforts. Whether you are a district level assistant superintendent or a…

Data Science 101: What is Predictive Analytics?

As a school district leader, you are tasked with making decisions that impact student outcomes. One method of analyzing data utilizes predictive analytics. At ECRA, many of our products harness the power of predictive analytics to help school district leaders set goals, make decisions, and assess the impact of programming/interventions. In this article, we will…

The Process of Measuring Academic Return on Investment (ROI): A Guide for School Districts

Academic Return on Investment (ROI), is a valuable tool for school districts to use in evaluating the effectiveness of educational programs or interventions. Measuring ROI should be considered a crucial component to evaluating a district’s continuous school improvement efforts. The process of academic ROI uses a disciplined method of inquiry that leverages the scientific method…

Why is Evidence-Based Practice Important for School District Leaders?

As school district administrators, the principles of evidence-based practice (EBP) provides a framework for making informed decisions and maximizing positive outcomes for students and staff. As a district leader, promoting the concepts of evidence-based practice can have a positive impact on all district and school improvement efforts. A common misconception is that data is only…

Data Science 101: What is the Difference Between Data and Analytics?

Data vs. Analytics: Do you know the difference? And, how does this apply to a school district environment? As a school district administrator, you may have heard the terms “data” and “analytics” being used frequently (often together or interchangeably), but may not fully understand the difference between the two. It may seem rather basic, but…

ECRA Presents with CUSD 200 at NCE 2023 on Using a K-12 Strategic Dashboard Effectively

At The School Superintendents Association’s (AASA) 2023 National Conference for Education in San Antonio, TX, ECRA Group had the privilege of presenting with Wheaton Community Unit School District 200 (CUSD200) about their recent adoption of a Strategic Dashboard. Dr. John Gatta, CEO of ECRA and Dr. Jeff Schuler, Superintendent of Schools at CUSD200, described how…

Assessment and Accountability Discussion With Illinois Principals Association (IPA)

Dr. John Gatta, CEO of ECRA Group, recently talked with Jason Leahy, Executive Director for Illinois Principals Association (IPA), on the topic of assessment and accountability. They discuss the latest release of Illinois Report Card data and how districts can use ECRA’s Illinois Report Card Analysis report to communicate more effectively to boards and communities.…