Data Diagnostics Planning Project The superintendents of the Big 8 urban districts in the state of Texas (Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, El Paso, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio, and Ysleta) have joined forces with IDEA Public Schools to participate in the Data Diagnostic and Planning Project, which will assess current data systems and practices and discuss how to enhance current data and performance management systems through the Big 8 network. In support of this effort to highlight districts and their knowledge base and to share across teams, THSP, supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, launched the Data Diagnostic and Planning Project to facilitate this process. What we do In alignment with the goal of creating systemic changes that enable continuous improvement of student achievement and to advance the effective use of data and adoption of data-supported practices within the Big 8 urban school districts and IDEA Public Schools, it is anticipated that the results of this project will provide actionable information to participating districts and charter schools, while providing a forum for sharing information across the Big 8 network. Key learnings will be provided as summary information to state leaders as they explore opportunities for state-level data system improvements.   Key Elements The project activities will center around completion of the following deliverables: Documenting a comprehensive inventory of current data systems, data elements, practices/use, processes, and supporting organizational structure for each of the Big 8 urban districts and IDEA Public Schools. Upon completion of the current-state inventory for each district, the vendor will document the maturity level of each of the Big 8 urban districts and IDEA Public Schools with respect to a data access and use maturity continuum.  Documenting business requirements for future data systems and practices for the Big 8 urban districts, IDEA Public Schools, and small and rural districts.   Developing specific district-level plans, recommendations, gap analyses, and associated business cases for advancing data systems and use in the participating districts/charter school. Managing the project, including planning, reporting, communications, issue and risk management, etc.  Recommended Resources Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation