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Go With the Flow: Decision Trees to Navigate Categorical Decisions 2012 Title l Conference Ann Hern ahern@wested.org. Decisions, Decisions. What is a decision? A mental process resulting in a course of action The process of coming to a conclusion or determination Choosing.
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Go With the Flow: Decision Trees to Navigate Categorical Decisions2012 Title l ConferenceAnn Hernahern@wested.org
Decisions, Decisions • What is a decision? • A mental process resulting in a course of action • The process of coming to a conclusion or determination • Choosing
Decision Making Methodologies • Uninformed decision making might be based on • Drawing possibilities out of a hat • Throwing darts • Using the WAG method • While fun, these methods are likely not optimal!
Decision Making Methodologies • Informed decision making is based on a sequential process • Identifying the need • Understanding the objective • Analyzing the alternatives • Evaluating possible solutions/outcomes • Possible benefits • Possible consequences
What is a Decision Tree? • Minimally, a Decision Tree is • A visual representation of a decision making process • A question and answer analysis
Decision Trees • Decision Trees used to their full potential are • A friendly, interactive, and accessible way to work through some common questions and processes found in managing school resources • They are also a a resource that • Provides answers to common questions • Offers caution signs to avoid potential bumps in the road • Suggests “Best Practices” • Encourages consistent practices • Summarizes and simplifies rules
Why Decision Trees? • While there are many rules, regulations, and alternatives to consider when managing categorical resources, the answers to these questions are often: • Allowable • Not Allowable • Supplanting • Supplemental
Other Common Questions • What is core? • What is a direct service? • Are your centralized services compliant? • What needs an allocation plan? • Is the plan aligned to goals? • Is your plan sustainable?
Not Just For Categoricals! • Decision Trees can be adapted to answer questions in almost any situation, they aren’t just for categorical resource management. • Other uses could be • Associated Student Body issues • Purchasing processes • Facilities use • Technology
Final Thoughts • Mapping out the optimal, compliant, choices that maximize student achievement isn’t an easy task. • Decision Trees can be a fresh approach when exploring options and confirming best practices and staying within the framework of compliant programs!
