Using Survey Results

Making plans based on survey data

How can programs use survey data for planning purposes? How can they share results with stakeholders? Ideally, program stakeholders will have structured opportunities to look at survey data, and to make plans based on that data.

Data Use Foundational Principles

The following are key to the use of data for continuous improvement:

  • A culture of inquiry
  • Staff engagement across all levels
  • Mechanisms for organizing, sharing, and reflecting on data
  • Realistic and incremental goals
  • Inclusion of key stakeholders in data sharing and review1

Communicating about Survey Data

Communication of survey results with both internal and external audiences is critically important. Different audiences have different needs when it comes to data. Think about who needs to know what, and when and how they need to know it, when sharing results.

This section provides tools for interpreting survey results, and planning tools to help you communicate those results to different audiences.

1. Rosenberg, H. (2013). Embracing the Use of Data for Continuous Program Improvement. Family Involvement Network of Educators (FINE) Newsletter, 5(3). Retrieved from http://www.hfrp.org/publications-resources/browse-our-publications/embracing-the-use-of-datafor-continuous-program-improvement↩