Turning Data Into Action
- Dr. Melissa Wainwright
- Mar 9
- 2 min read
MTSS Monday: Turning Data into Action—Which Protocol Works for Your Team?
Data is a powerful tool, but sometimes we get lost in the numbers. How do we ensure we’re using data in ways that drive meaningful action?
Last week, we asked: Is our data telling us something, but we’re not hearing it? Today, let’s explore how to structure data conversations so they lead to action.
Teams need a structured process to analyze trends, ask the right questions, and take meaningful action. The right data protocol ensures that:
✅ We focus on problem-solving instead of problem identification.
✅ We use multiple data points to understand student needs at all levels.
✅ Every meeting results in clear next steps that support students and system improvement.
Which Data Protocol is Right for Your Team? Here are a few:
🔹 4-Step Problem-Solving Process – A framework for problem identification, analysis, intervention design, and progress monitoring. It ensures data-based decisions at all tiers of MTSS.
🔹 ATLAS Protocol – Helps teams observe, analyze, and respond to data without jumping to conclusions too quickly. It supports collaborative reflection before action.
🔹 TIPS (Team-Initiated Problem Solving) – Originally developed within PBIS, TIPS is a research-based framework that helps teams structure meetings, use data effectively, and follow through with action. While rooted in PBIS, its structured problem-solving approach applies to any MTSS-related decision-making.
🔹 Root Cause Analysis – If data reveals persistent challenges, this protocol helps teams dig deeper by identifying underlying causes before making changes. Useful for systems-level decision-making.
💬 What data protocol works best for your team? Share your thoughts in the comments! I’d be happy to share more on how these protocols have worked in my experience. Feel free to reach out!
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