A dashboard makes selected information easy to compare. The selection matters. Before discussing a number, ask how it was produced and what it is intended to represent.
Examine the measure
Identify the source, the time period, and any missing information. Ask whether the measure captures the question the team is trying to answer. Attendance, completion, and demonstrated understanding deserve distinct interpretations.
Look for changes in definitions or collection practices before explaining a trend. If the team cannot answer a technical question, record it and consult the person responsible for the data.
Add context carefully
Invite relevant observations from teachers and students without treating a memorable anecdote as a complete explanation. A useful discussion can hold a measurement alongside an account of lived experience while respecting the limits of each.
End with a question that the available evidence can help answer. If a decision requires information the dashboard does not contain, name that gap. A clear display should support judgment without becoming a substitute for it.
