This post is written by PTD Technology, a Gold Level sponsor of the 2018 Advance CTE Fall Meeting. 
“Without data, you are just another person with an opinion.” — W. Edwards Demming
“If we have data, let’s look at data. If all we have are opinions, let’s go with mine.” — Jim Barksdale
These two quotes sum up the importance of having data to support any action or program.  However, just having data is not enough, as the next quote explains;
“You can have data without information, but you cannot have information without data.” — Daniel Keys Moran
The goal really isn’t data, but information. With the advent of local, state and federal mandates for the collection of data, paired with modern data collection tools, we are data saturated. As such, data is no longer the problem.  The steps to transform data into information are:

The inability to clean, model and visualize data in a timely manner leads to less effective decisions. Until these steps are completed, subject matter experts cannot do their work of interpretation and analysis.  Visualizations such as the charts and graphs are often created by people who do not understand the nuances of the data, and end up creating marginally useful, static or unchangeable information.
Modern Data Analytics to the Rescue
Just as modern data collection techniques have improved, so have tools to prepare data for analysis.  Business Intelligence (BI) tools, such as Microsoft’s Power BI or Tableau, enable users to clean and model data effectively and efficiently. Powerful and useful dynamic visualizations, when presented through dashboards, empower all stakeholders to make timely, successful decisions.
PTD Technology (PDT) can get pertinent information into the hands of those who need it, when they can still use it!
Participation and performance gap analysis for program improvement
Empower teachers, school counselors and administrators to identify and address gaps in performance.
Trend analysis
Combine multiple years of data to discover trends.  Slice and dice the data in real-time to compare special populations, gender, special population characteristics, districts, or even programs.
Publish dashboards to any website 
PTD has tools that make publishing dashboards to any site very easy.  We can provide appropriate access to information for administrators, teachers, parents, learners, or any other stakeholders.   
Take advantage of data you already have
Let us show you how easy it is to turn data you already have into effective, customized dashboards. Stop by our table at the 2018 Fall Meeting to learn how easy it is to create dashboards for your state using your federal EDEN/EdFacts submissions and take advantage of a Free Trial.  Discover how quickly you can create customized dashboards based on your organizational needs and how easy they are to maintain.
We look forward to helping you turn your data into information you can use to tell your Career Technical Education story.  Hope to see you there!
Visit our website to learn more CTEDash.PTDTechnology.com