December 2, 2021
Board Dashboards
Yesterday we held an ISCA Chair Chat on Board Dashboards so in the spirit of that conversation, I am sharing a couple resources. We discussed the difference and value of both operational and strategic dashboards, including academic benchmarks. There is no one-size-fits-all dashboard solution, but if you are trying to figure out where to begin in building your dashboard, you can begin by exploring some of the questions posed by NAIS below.
I am also sharing a resource page on the SAIS website that provides links to several different types of dashboard topics that you might find helpful.
Step One – Make a Data Plan
Before you dive into the tools themselves, spend some time as a board and leadership team identifying the areas of focus for your conversations throughout the year, and what data are most relevant to those areas of focus. Then ask yourselves:
- What are the indicators that you would like to track in describing and monitoring the “State of the School” and progress toward long-term goals?
- Which of these data do you want to track throughout the year?
- When does the board look at which data?
- Who populates the dashboard, and is it a manageable endeavor for the school?
- Which of these data do you want to view at year-end, benchmarked with data from one or more comparison groups of independent schools?
- What are the most meaningful comparison groups to use?
Source: NAIS "Monitor Progress to Goals: Evaluation and Data Dashboards"
We have previously shared this resource before,
ISM Stability Markers, which is a set of 15 variables correlated with independent schools' ability to sustain excellence over time. I hope you find any of these resources helpful to you.
Upcoming ISCA Events
Tuesday, December 7
Presenter: Cathy Trower, Trower & Trower
Thursday, December 9
