Page 28 - The EDGE Fall 2024

COMMUNICATION

BY BRENDA RICHMOND
Enhancing Transparency Through

Data Visualization
Brenda Richmond

When there are fluctuations in student enrollment, overwhelming stakeholders with excessive details.
school districts face challenging decisions on Various data visualization techniques contribute
how and where to accommodate these changes. to understanding and transparency, including
It is crucial to transparently communicate these presentations with bulleted information, charts,
decisions to stakeholders, including the school graphs, and maps.
board, families, students, and the public.
For instance, pie charts can effectively display
Tough choices may involve converting a school percentages as a whole. However, similar to a pie
to a specialized program, such as dual language, dessert with too many slices, an abundance of data
kindergarten-specific, or gifted and talented. groups can be challenging to digest. It's advisable
Alternatively, it could entail opening a new school to use pie charts with fewer data groups when
or closing an existing one. Accurate data plays a appropriate. When faced with the choice between
vital role in guiding these decisions. text and a pie chart, consider creating examples of
each to aid in making decisions. Depending on the
What may seem like a straightforward change data, numbers and text can be overwhelming, so
can be perceived negatively if the district fails to selecting the most suitable format is essential for
communicate transparently about the focus and effective communication.
rationale behind the decision. Leveraging analytics
for communication can be immensely beneficial. There are various data visualization techniques
The adage that a picture is worth a thousand words beyond pie charts. Some examples include:
holds true in these situations. Analytics providing • Bar Charts: Ideal for comparing sizes or
a clear overview of a school's utilization (in counts displaying segments of information, bar charts
and percentages) and a map illustrating current offer a clear visual representation.
vs. future changes can help build trust by visually
demonstrating the information. Connecting • Area Charts: These charts illustrate totals as a
this with financial analytics further aids in share of the whole, providing insights into how
understanding the costs associated with making or components contribute to the overall picture.
not making changes to boundaries, programs, and
services. • Line Charts: Perfect for showing changes over
periods of time, line charts help visualize trends
Employing data visualization to narrate your and patterns.
district's story is crucial for transparency,
decision-making, communication, and innovation. • Tables: When data is too detailed to be
This storytelling method not only ensures effectively described in text, tables provide a
transparency but also facilitates faster mental structured way to present intricate information.
processing, swiftly conveys insights, and avoids
CONTINUED ON PAGE 31

|
28 THE EDGE FALL 2024