What should a school psychologist assist a data team in doing first when examining data over two years?

When a school psychologist assists a data team in examining data over a two-year period, the initial step should focus on identifying patterns and trends in the raw data. This is crucial since recognizing patterns helps to understand the broader implications of the data and to determine overall performance levels, progress, and areas that may require additional support or intervention.

Identifying trends can reveal important changes over time, such as improvements in student performance or areas where students may be struggling. It sets the foundation for the subsequent steps in data analysis, as understanding these trends is essential before drilling down into more specific details.

Once trends are established, the team can effectively pursue the process of disaggregating raw data, reviewing the goals of the data collection, or recognizing strengths and challenges based on the identified patterns. However, beginning with trends allows for a clearer focus and assists the team in making informed decisions based on the overarching data narrative.