Data are widely available; what is scarce is the ability to extract wisdom from them." Hal Varian, UC Berkeley and Google Chief Economics

Methodologies and Models

            As a team we first came to a consensus on the methodologies we would employ as our decision making model, as well as the format we collectively believed to best facilitate our group planning meetings. We identified the Expected Utility Model as most effective means to achieve our goals for the school population we were servicing through our analyses. This model for data-driven decision making generates decisions that are effective, but not necessarily decisions that are perfect for the given situation. Through this model, we would consider alternatives to our original problem, selecting one solution after a comparative analysis of the alternatives, and adapting to the needs of our target population as factors changed during implementation of our plan. We felt that this model would not only be most realistic in addressing the needs presented in our focused study, but that we would also gain some flexibility to adjust course for the diverse student population we were serving.

            We collectively identified our ideal decision-making process for our group as Brainstorming, and this turned out to be a sound decision. We wanted to meet face-to-face in an environment that welcomed all team members ideas without comment or judgment.   Once a range of ideas were put forth by each member, this format allowed for group members to refine or augment ideas that were presented by other members in our meetings.  This allowed shared ownership of successful outcomes, and thus created a collegial atmosphere in which collaboration, constructive criticism, and honest feedback were welcomed. By challenging each other to maintain this highly professional environment and collectively upholding high standards, we were able to create our best possible plan, one that was fluid and open to modification based on emerging student needs. 

* Please See Attachment*