Data-Based Decision Making
TIPS is a structured, data-driven framework that helps school teams use behavioral and academic data to identify problems, develop solutions, and monitor outcomes. This training strengthens team meeting efficiency and ensures decisions are actionable and measurable.
- Intended for PBIS/MTSS leadership teams and administrators
- Focuses on using data (e.g., ODRs, attendance, academic indicators) for decision-making
- Teaches the TIPS problem-solving model and meeting roles
- Includes use of standard meeting agendas and data tools
- Often paired with coaching to support implementation fidelity
- TIPS Center (University of Oregon): https://www.tipsmodel.org
- PBIS.org (data-based decision making): https://www.pbis.org
- National Center on Intensive Intervention: https://intensiveintervention.org
Universal screening is a Tier 1 practice used to systematically identify students who may be at risk for social, emotional, or behavioral challenges. Screeners are brief, evidence-based tools administered to all students to inform early intervention and support within a multi-tiered system.
Universal screening allows schools to move from reactive to proactive support by identifying needs early—often before problem behaviors escalate. It ensures equitable access to supports and helps teams allocate resources efficiently across Tier 1, 2, and 3.
- Conducted with all students at least 1–3 times per year
- Uses reliable and valid screening tools
- Efficient to administer and score
- Includes clear decision rules for identifying risk levels
- Integrated with existing data (ODRs, attendance, academics)
- Results lead to timely action (e.g., Tier 2 supports)
- Protects student confidentiality and follows district policies
- Select a screening tool that aligns with your school’s goals and capacity
- Train staff to ensure consistent and accurate administration
- Establish a data review team and schedule before screening occurs
- Use clear cut scores/decision rules to guide next steps
- Avoid over-identification by triangulating with other data sources
- Communicate with families about purpose and how data will be used
- Monitor outcomes to evaluate effectiveness of supports provided
Climate surveys are universal (Tier 1) tools used to gather perceptions from students, staff, and families about school climate, including safety, relationships, engagement, and belonging. These data help teams understand the overall health of the school environment and identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Climate data provide a voice to stakeholders and surface patterns that may not be visible through behavioral or academic data alone. Regular use of climate surveys supports proactive decision-making, strengthens belonging, and helps schools align practices with student and staff needs.
- Administered to all students, staff, and/or families at least annually
- Measures key domains (e.g., safety, relationships, engagement, equity, belonging)
- Anonymous and accessible to encourage honest feedback
- Results are disaggregated (e.g., grade level, subgroup)
- Data are reviewed by a representative team and linked to action planning
- Follow-up communication to stakeholders about findings and next steps
- Schedule administration at consistent times each year to track trends
- Keep surveys brief and developmentally appropriate
- Prepare staff and students by explaining purpose and how data will be used
- Pair perception data with discipline, attendance, and academic data for a full picture
- Identify 1–2 priority areas rather than trying to address everything at once
- Share results transparently and revisit progress throughout the year
Data-Based Decision Making (DBDM) is an evidence-based practice that involves using data to guide instructional strategies, improve student outcomes, and make informed decisions in the classroom and schoolwide. It includes the collection, analysis, and interpretation of various types of data—such as academic performance, behavioral trends, and attendance records—to identify areas of need, track student progress, and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions. DBDM empowers educators to tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each student and to continuously improve instructional practices.
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Trainings:
Data-Based Decision Making
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