Data Driven Decisions for Academic Achievement (D3A2)

Data Tool Implementation

To begin using the D3A2 Data Tool Application districts work with their area Information Technology Center (ITC) to complete an implementation process. This process encompasses all of the activities necessary to prepare and upload data files into the D3A2 data warehouse and prepare teachers and administrators to use the Data Tool application.   In general, Data Tool implementation follows a progression of sequential steps:

Request Implementation Support

The implementation process begins when districts complete an online Implementation Request.   Has my district already submitted an implementation request?

Data Release Agreement

The district superintendent submits two original signed copies of the Data Release Agreement to Northwest Ohio Computer Association.  Mailing instructions are provided on the form.

Implementation Planning and Coordination

ITCs contact the requestor of D3A2 implementation support to apprise them of the processes and timetables it will employ to satisfy their requests.  While recommended guidelines have been distributed to the ITCs advising them of how best to approach this process, each ITC ultimately defines its own procedures for addressing D3A2 support.  Implementation Planning Guides and Templates have been made available to help guide ITCs and districts.

Data Preparation

The process of preparing test vendor and student demographic data for upload to the D3A2 Data Warehouse is a shared responsibility between ITCs and districts.  The preparation of test vendor files is referred to as "scrubbing."  An online utility called the D3A2 Data Scrubber has been created to assist in this process.
   

Data Preparation Tasks for Districts

  • Step 1: Complete an online Request for D3A2 Implementation Support survey.
  • Step 2: Submit two original signed copies of the D3A2 Data Release Authorization Form to NWOCA
  • Step 3: Participate in planning activities with the ITC
  • Step 4: Download and organize test vendor results files (ITCs may perform this activity).  Use the D3A2 Data Scrubber to prepare test files for upload
   

Data Preparation Tasks for ITCs

  1. Step 5: Identify and work with a primary contact from each district, engage the district in proper planning and preparation
  2. Step 6: Provide scrubber training and support for the district, prepare district demographics files for upload to the data warehouse, and coordinate the transfer of clean data files to the D3A2 Operations Group
  3. Step 7: Create Data Tool user accounts.
  4. Step 8: Provide training.  Not all ITCs provide D3A2 end-user training.

Create User Accounts

Once data has been uploaded into the data warehouse the ITC will coordinate the creation of login accounts for all teachers and administrators that require access to the system.  D3A2 uses the Ohio K-12 Network Identity Management and Access Single Sign On System (IdM) to authenticate and grant users access to the Data Tool.  Accounts are created either one at a time, or by means of a specially formatted Excel spreadsheet.  ITCs may either choose to create and manage district accounts in the IdM system internally or delegate the responsibility down to the districts.  Procedures for administrating D3A2 accounts and a bulk upload file are available on the SSDT Public Wiki.

Plan Professional Development

Districts are encouraged to formalize plans for rolling D3A2 out to their teachers and administrators.  Resources have been created to assist with this process and are available on both the Professional Development and Downloadable Resources areas of this website.
   

Training Materials

Training materials have been created that districts may use to train their staff in the basic function and use of the Data Tool and Resource Exchange applications.  They include:


Additional Information

Contact your area ITC for more information about their current timelines and process for implementing districts on D3A2.  Additional information may be obtained by contacting the D3A2 Operations Group (mail_staff_d3a2@nwoca.org).

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