gathering the data
research
Knowing where you are helps you see a path forward
Data helps inform decisions
When you’re teaching students, the more data you have about their progress and opportunity areas, the better the plan you can develop to help them advance.
The same is true of your communications efforts: the more data, the better the plans and decisions. And with today’s technology, gathering relevant, actionable data is easier than ever.
We use a variety of data-gathering approaches to provide input for the strategic planning process as well as follow-up on programs we’ve implemented. Some of the basic types of research include:
* Qualitative focus groups/one-on-one interviews: Talking with people is so important! This is a basic way to gather input on what your stakeholders are thinking. These discussions can be more general (i.e., parents) or very specific (i.e., Realtors or restaurants owners). They can include students and staff and any combination of stakeholders, depending on your goals.
* SurveyMonkey: SurveyMonkey is one of the gifts technology has given us … an easy way to reach out to hundreds or thousands of people and gather input that can be sliced-and-diced in a variety of ways. We often supplement qualitative research with a SurveyMonkey to gather data from a wider group of people.
* Telephone Survey: A valuable tool, but too expensive, right? Nope. Another gift from technology is how much easier and less expensive it is to conduct a telephone survey. And of course, this quantitative option also reduces the “self-identifying” effect that is built into online surveys.
* ThoughtExchange: Perhaps our fave gift from technology to the realm of research is this unique method of gathering information that is at the same time qualitatively rich but quantitatively actionable. ThoughtExchange allows you to pose a question to your community and gather input (anonymously) around that question. The responses will amaze you … as will the back-end analytics, which evaluate strengths, eliminate the “loudest voice” that often characterizes focus groups and social media, and finds commonalities between disparate groups. And by using our license, you can conduct a ThoughtExchange for a fraction of the cost of buying a license on your own – plus have our experts evaluate the results for you. Wow!
All this, and at a
reasonable cost!
As community members (and a board member) in our own districts, we understand the pressures on budgets and the need to secure expertise while spending responsibly.
Our services come at a very reasonable cost, one that allows you to develop the relationships and community you desire, without raising the eyebrows of your local fiscal hawks.
Depending on your needs, we can develop a custom group of services, or you can choose to use one of our packages to save even more.
- Let’s start the discussion with your goals and where you are now. Then, we’ll discuss options to determine what best fits your objectives and your budget.