Introduction

Using data to improve programs and outcomes requires data leadership. DaSy developed the Data Leadership Competencies to support Part C and Part B 619 staff in acquiring the knowledge and skills required to be effective data leaders. Competencies are a set of performance behaviors that are observable, measurable, and critical to successful individual, team, and agency performance. Competencies help staff understand how to perform a role and meet expectations.

The EC Data U content aligns with the Data Leadership Competencies. These competencies offer a framework to communicate the specific knowledge and skills identified within the EC Data U content areas. The competencies enhance the focus and intentionality of the resources and developmental activities that help you gain the necessary knowledge and skills. Topics in EC Data U are tagged with the competencies they address.

Leadership Competencies: Foundational Data (FD) Skills

FD-1.  Demonstrates basic data literacy skills.

FD-2.  Demonstrates understanding of 616 Annual Performance Report (APR) and 618 data collection and reporting requirements.

FD-3.  Is knowledgeable about relevant policies such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), and state regulations that address the privacy and security of Part C/Part B 619 data/records.

FD-4.  Is knowledgeable about the various aspects of data quality such as: accuracy, completeness, timeliness, and the processes that are needed to ensure high-quality data statewide.

FD-5.  Is knowledgeable about various methods for collecting data, including quantitative and qualitative methods, when to use various methods, and the advantages and limitations of such methods with different groups of respondents, especially those from historically underserved groups.

FD-6.  Is knowledgeable about data analysis methods, their strengths and limitations, and their use in developing data products to meet the needs of intended users including how to use data analysis and presentation techniques to portray data for historically underserved groups appropriately.

FD-7.  Is knowledgeable of policies and procedures required for the governance and management of Part C/Part B 619 data, including those related to the quality and integrity of the data, and the security of and access to those data.

FD-8.  Is knowledgeable about the processes involved in designing evaluations, including developing evaluation questions, logic models, and short-term and long-term outcomes; and identifying appropriate measurement strategies.

FD-9.  Demonstrates the ability to assess data knowledge and skills of state team members and stakeholders.

FD-10. Demonstrates the ability to provide opportunities for state team members, local program staff, and (other) stakeholders to learn data knowledge and skills essential to their respective roles (e.g., data collection, reporting requirements, data literacy)

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Leadership Competencies: Infrastructure (IN)

IN-1.   Demonstrates the ability to establish policies and procedures to ensure that all data processes, communications, products, reports, and other data-specific state resources are compliant with federal and state regulations.

IN-2.   Demonstrates the ability to establish policies and procedures that address the quality and integrity of Part C/Part B 619 data.

IN-3.   Demonstrates the ability to establish policies and procedures that address the security of and access to Part C/ Part B 619 data.

IN-4.   Demonstrates the ability to identify staff needs for access to data consistent with their roles and responsibilities and ensures that access.

IN-5.   Demonstrates the ability to delineate appropriate roles and responsibilities for decision-making authority, accountability, and management related to collection, analysis, use, and dissemination of Part C/ Part B 619 data.

IN-6.   Demonstrates the ability to explain key components and features of the data systems, including strengths and limitations.

IN-7.   Demonstrates the ability to manage a data system to collect programmatic information from multiple sources for federal and state reporting and system management.

IN-8.   Demonstrates the ability to embed principles of equity in systems for data collection, analysis, reporting and use (e.g., inclusive categories for collection of gender and race/ethnicity).

IN-9.   Demonstrates the skills necessary to secure and manage the human and fiscal resources for the development, maintenance, and enhancement of the data system.

IN-10. Demonstrates knowledge of changing federal and state policies and requirements, programmatic and user needs, and technology to identify and prioritize data system enhancements.

IN-11. Is knowledgeable about the processes involved in developing and enhancing database applications. 

IN-12. Demonstrates the ability to lead a process for the development of a new data system or major enhancement. 

IN-13. Demonstrates ability to elicit and process stakeholder input about state data system(s)/applications and communicate that input to the technical team.

IN-14. Demonstrates ability to effectively identify and communicate programmatic data needs to the technical team responsible for developing/enhancing the data system.

Leadership Competencies: Data Culture (DC)

DC-1.  Demonstrates the ability to articulate a vision across the program on the value and potential of its data. 

DC-2.  Demonstrates the ability to analyze and use data to develop the state performance plan and annual performance report (SPP/APR).

DC-3.  Demonstrates understanding of how to use data for accountability, program operations, and program improvement.

DC-4.  Demonstrates the ability to establish a data culture through norms and expectations for the ongoing use of data.

DC-5.  Demonstrates ability to implement an approach to data-based decision-making (e.g., Plan-Do-Study-Act) 

DC-6.  Demonstrates ability to lead team members and stakeholders in discussions about the interpretation of program data (e.g., 616, 618, other) and development of action steps in response to what was learned from the analysis.

DC-7   Demonstrates the ability to make effective and timely decisions based on available data even when those data are limited and infer the implications of those decisions. 

DC-8.  Demonstrates the ability to use data to ensure equitable access, services and supports, and positive outcomes for children and families. 

DC-9.  Demonstrates the ability to use fiscal data to address the current and future needs of the program e.g., budget development, utilization and allocation of funding sources, and fiscal monitoring. 

DC-10. Demonstrates the ability to use workforce data to inform the development and maintenance of a comprehensive system of personnel development.

DC-11. Demonstrates the ability to effectively communicate data to policymakers, OSEP, the general public, and other stakeholders through presentations, websites, reports, etc.

DC-12  Demonstrates the ability to support local programs and districts to build a culture of data use.

DC-13. Demonstrates the ability to manage an evaluation and to actively participate in all phases of the evaluation from the design through the development of a report and presentations of findings.