Performance Challenges - Overview

Data Analysis is the foundation of effective planning and continuous improvement. Both state and federal statutes define performance indicators that should align with a district or schools’ data analysis efforts. In combination with associated measures, metrics and annual performance targets, performance indicators are the skeleton around which improvement planning and continuous improvement is built.

While engaging in unified improvement planning, planning teams begin by reviewing their current performance and identifying performance trends.

The identification of trends involves analyzing at least three years of data for each performance indicator area (Academic Achievement, Academic Growth, Postsecondary and Workforce Readiness). Once they have identified performance trends, planning teams must prioritize those trends that they identify as “challenges.” Prioritizing performance challenges may be the most critical step in the entire planning process as it sets the tone for each of the subsequent steps.

Trends and priority performance challenges should be captured in the Section III: Data Narrative tab of the UIP Online System.

The UIP Handbook provides additional information about reviewing current performance, identifying trends and prioritizing performance challenges. Use the links on the left hand navigation bar to access additional resources related to data analysis, including power point presentations which walk through the steps of data analysis, and additional tools to support analysis processes.

For tools and resources related to trends and performance challenges, visit the "Resources: Performance Data Analysis" page (also accessible through the left-hand navigation menu).  This page includes downloadable documents and examples to assist planning teams through the UIP process.