K-12 Data for Better Educational Outcomes: Achievement, Behavior, and Attendance

What if the key to improving educational outcomes was already in front of us, hidden in the data schools collect every day? Attendance records, test scores, and family surveys offer insight into equity gaps, systemic barriers, and opportunities for intervention—but too often, this data isn’t used effectively. In this episode, we’ll discuss how nonprofit professionals can collaborate with schools to analyze and apply data in ways that close gaps in access and achievement. You’ll learn how to identify disparities, interpret data within the community context, and use it to inform programs that directly support students and families. This episode highlights ways nonprofits can use data to advocate for resources, measure impact, and drive equitable education initiatives. You’ll hear: (02:30) How achievement data like standardized test scores and graduation rates can help organizations identify trends and support curriculum improvements. (08:57) The importance of using behavior data such as suspensions and discipline referrals to understand and address classroom disruptions and bullying patterns. (15:19) How attendance data—like chronic absenteeism rates and daily attendance records—can be used to develop targeted intervention plans and support student engagement. (20:11) Where to find publicly available school data and how organizations can use it to demonstrate their impact effectively.