Developing the Goal Components of the Plan Progress Monitoring Method
The Progress Monitoring Method must also be determined up front and often is a repeat or reprise of how the Baseline data were established. Some questions to consider in regards to choosing a method for gathering. How will the data for the Baseline and Progress Benchmark be gathered? Does a tool for gathering the data need to be developed or adapted? The tool used for gathering both the Baseline and Progress Benchmark data should be the same, such as a pre- and post- survey. It is wise to gather and review data along the way instead of only at the end point of implementing a goal. That way the Team can review and analyze the data and make mid-course corrections or revisions as needed.
Some tips for determining a method to gather and analyze data used to monitor progress:
- Keep the method for gathering the data simple and straightforward
- Think logically about how to keep track of and when to report progress
- Assign gathering and compiling data to a specific team member
- Set a time within the Core Team meeting agenda to regularly analyze data
- Decide upfront how the Team will determine if and when some course correction is necessary
- Make any revisions to data methods in a timely manner if what the Team initially decided to do is not working as imagined or is not providing the ‘right’ data for making decisions.