ABSTRACT
An educational technology tool called the data system is the means through which most of today's educators access, manipulate, and use data so student-impacting decisions can be data-informed. Data systems are computerized and typically accessible online; examples include data warehouses, data and assessment management systems, student information systems (SISs), and learning management systems with feedback components. Efforts to improve educators' data analyses commonly fall into the categories of professional development (PD) or staff supports, such as site leaders, data teams, data experts, and/or instructional coaches. Yet there is much evidence the data systems and reports educators use to analyze data have a direct impact on data use, and there are best practices to which these tools can adhere to better facilitate correct data use. The researcher has organized these best practices as Over-the-Counter Data (OTCD) Standards for the effective reporting of data to educators and other education stakeholders.
