Page 10 - The Edge - Back to School 2018

PRE SUMMER CONFERENCE

BY DON HARRIS

Using Visualization Techniques

Can Open the Eyes of Policymakers
Essigs Aportela

AASBO is doing a much better job of getting its message to the AASBO can now show the relationship between funding and
Governor’s O ce, lawmakers and the public thanks to new ways of student achievement, and changes in the percentages of students
presenting the information clearly and concisely. with various kinds of disabilities. “What does it mean to districts,
Credit goes to AASBO experts Chuck Essigs, Director of parents and teachers?” Aportela asked. “With visualization tools,
Government Relations, and Anabel Aportela, Director of Research we can put information into a di erent display.”
for AASBO and the Arizona School Boards Association. ey Regarding the state funding formula, charters get more than
outlined the progress they have made in a pre-conference session districts because, the argument goes, they don’t have property
July 18 prior to the annual Summer Conference and Expo. taxes, bonds or overrides to rely on. But the Additional Assistance
ey work as a team. Aportela uses technology to present formulas are quite di erent. e districts’ formula took a bigger hit
information in a clear and concise manner, and Essigs makes sure during the recession. What’s more, the charter formula has been
that what she produces gets to policymakers promptly and answers adjusted for in ation, while the district formula has remained
their questions. unchanged since 2000, according to Aportela.
“Data is not enough to make good decisions,” she said. “Data
leads to knowledge that hopefully leads to good decisions.” CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

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