Data Driven Decisions for Academic Achievement (D3A2)

Implementation

Before using the D3A2 Data Tool Application districts must first be implemented on the system by their area Information Technology Center (ITC).

2008 District Participation and Load Report

2009 Status - ITC Implementers Page

Implementation Process

The implementation process encompasses all of the activities necessary to (1) prepare and upload data files into the D3A2 data warehouse and (2) prepare teachers and administrators to use the Data Tool application. In general, this follows a progression of sequential steps:

  1. District submits an implementation request
  2. District submits a Data Release Agreement
  3. ITC engages district in implementation planning and coordination
  4. District and ITC work together to prepare data  for upload to the Data Warehouse 
  5. ITC requests upload services to the D3A2 Data Warehouse once data has been prepared
  6. ITC and district prepare a list of user accounts
  7. District prepares for deployment and training

 

 Implementation Request

The implementation process begins when districts complete an online D3A2 Implementation Request. Please note that submission of an Implementation Request Form will not provide immediate access to the D3A2 system.  The length of response is determined by each individual ITC's capacity and schedule.  Has my district already submitted an implementation request?


Data Release Agreement

The district superintendent must sign and submit two original copies of the Data Release Agreement to Northwest Ohio Computer Association (NWOCA) to authorize the D3A2 Operations Group to begin contributing its data to the data warehouse.  Mailing instructions are included at the bottom of the form.

 

 Implementation Planning and Coordination

ITCs are notified whenever implementation requests are received through the D3A2 website.  ITCs then become responsible for contacting their districts 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 and guidelines for addressing D3A2 support.  Implementation Planning Guides and Templates have been made available to guide ITCs and districts through this process.


 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.  The scrubbing process consists of identifying and reconciling incorrect student and teacher identification numbers in the test vendor data files.

Data Preparation Tasks for ITCs

  1. Identify and work with a primary contact from each district
  2. Engage the district in proper planning and preparation
    Provide scrubber training and support for the district
  3. Generate EMIS or Student Information System extract files for all necessary reporting periods
  4. Coordinate the transfer of clean data files to the D3A2 Operations Group

Data Preparation Tasks for Districts

  • Submit two original signed copies of the D3A2 Data Release Authorization Form to NWOCA
  • Participate in planning activities with the ITC
  • Download and organize test vendor results files
  • Use the D3A2 Data Scrubber application to prepare test files for upload

 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 singly, 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.  ITC personnel may find procedures for administrating D3A2 accounts and the a bulk upload file by visiting the Identity Management Service folder located in the OECN ITC Forum Summit Ohio K-12 discussion area.

 

 Professional Development

Districts are strongly 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 have been created that districts may use to 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).