Preparing for a School-based Data Retreat

		Now that you have a sense of how a data retreat can jump-start the continuous improvement process at your school, you will want to consider the preparation that must take place to ensure its success. In this lesson, you will learn not only the steps that need to occur to prepare for a data retreat, but also the individuals who are key to the process.

		Before launching into this lesson, reflect on previous professional development experiences you have had. Have you ever participated in a professional development session and walked away with the impression that the presenter was ill-prepared? If so, what gave you that impression? How did the presenter¡¦s lack of preparation affect the event? As a participant, did you learn any new concepts or skills at this event? Think also about any sort of training that you have organized or led. How did you prepare? What challenges did you face?

		One of the readings provides insight into some of the pitfalls of a badly designed retreat and provides suggestions so that they may be avoided. The second reading discusses the challenging role of the facilitator, giving pointers to help this individual maximize professional development opportunities for others. After completing this lesson, you will have a good idea of how to prepare for a data retreat. Some of the concepts you learn may also help you prepare for other types of professional development activities. Keep your school and your staff in mind as you read this lesson so that you may apply what you learn to their needs.

Using Data for Continuous Improvement