Engaging in continuous improvement is essential. Teams should schedule time to assess how well current practices address prevention across tiers and identify opportunities to strengthen, expand or scale what is already working.

Consider how to best gather quantitative data (numbers of students and families involved; data on outcomes, such as participation and chronic absence) and qualitative data (surveys or interviews with students, families, school staff, expanded learning staff, mentors and other community partners). The data can be used to answer the following questions:

• What did we do?
  • Did we carry out what we planned to do?
  • How much of our plan did we complete?
  • Who helped to carry it out?
• How well did we implement the activities?
  • Were activities seen as helpful and effective?
  • Did we engage students, families, staff or community partners in the process?
  • Which students are still missing school?
• What difference did we make for students who received support?
  • Did their outcomes for attendance, engagement or academic achievement change or improve?
  • Did differences vary by student group?
• What was the impact on the school as a whole?
  • Has the enrollment, attendance or chronic absence data changed in any way?
  • Have these activities provided benefits or created unexpected challenges for the school community in general?

Answers to these questions help teams determine which approaches to continue using and which to refine or replace as well as guide decisions about next steps. When outcomes improve, reflect on what contributed to success — especially when specific student groups were affected — and share bright spots.