Yes, I know he is my brother, but John Pryor's ideas on improving schools make such sense and support my long-standing theories on 21st Century Skills. Spend the next 15 minutes listening to and learning from one of the greats. Enjoy. [embed]http://https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAomg-2Rsj8[/embed]
What Lurks Behind Your Data?
Recently, I watched a Ted Talk and I found it spot on as far as how we should bring relevance to data. Because schools are becoming evermore data driven in making decisions, I think it's wise to understand the story behind the data and ask ourselves the hard questions. Susan Etlinger delivered her Ted Talk, What Do We Do with All This Big Data?, from both her head and her heart. She not only shared why learning from data is critical in making decisions, she underscored the importance of telling the story behind the data, which makes the numbers even more relevant. Etlinger states, "data doesn’t create meaning…. we do." I not only agree with her on the data side, I encourage her on the personal side. We have an opportunity to practice our critical thinking skills. We have an opportunity to think, to question, to understand. But, more importantly, we have a responsibility to report data supported by context.
[embed]http://www.ted.com/talks/susan_etlinger_what_do_we_do_with_all_this_big_data?language=en#t-670458[/embed]
Etlinger urges us to add context to our data, to use our critical thinking skills and to ask the hard questions. "Did the data really show us this or did the result make us feel more successful and more comfortable?"
As you watch, begin thinking of how you present your data to your board, your Head of School or your marketing committee. Are you making the numbers relevant? Are you allowing the data to come alive with a story? If so, you are on your way towards making stronger connections and better decisions, making data more relevant and useful and making headway in the competitive world of admissions.
Visit our site and call me to learn more about how Gowan Group brings relevance and significance to data for schools when we perform demographic studies and marketing, communications and admissions audits.
5 SIGNS YOUR SCHOOL MAY NEED STRATEGIC ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT
Helping schools fulfill and advance their missions is at the heart of our work as strategic enrollment management consultants – that includes strategic planning to ensure the long-term viability of an organization. Here are five signs a school may benefit from a new or renewed strategic enrollment management plan.
- Board and faculty do not have a unified understanding of organization’s identity or you have a newly revised mission statement
- Current messaging is more than 5 years old and is not consistent across the school community
- Enrollment has been stagnant or steadily declining for 3 years or more
- Significant change in leadership at either the Head of School or Director of Admissions level
- Considering a marketing or communications plan with a new website or marketing material
** BONUS**
- You have your 10 year accreditation looming overhead and need to gain focus on your self-study preparation
Gowan Group has experts available to work with you and your school on Enrollment Management and Strategic Planning.