Lesson Plan
Interpreting Connection Data
Students will analyze 10th-grade survey data on school belonging, identify patterns and root causes, and draft targeted action steps to enhance connection in their community.
A strong sense of belonging boosts student engagement, mental health, and academic success. Analyzing real data empowers students to understand their community and drive positive change.
Audience
10th Grade Small-Group Students
Time
40 minutes
Approach
Data-driven small-group analysis and collaborative planning.
Materials
Prep
Gather and Review Materials
10 minutes
- Print one copy per group of the Data Detective Sheet and Action Plan Blueprint Template
- Ensure digital access to the Survey Findings Breakdown slide deck
- Review the Root-Cause Roundtable Guide to prompt discussion questions
Step 1
Introduction & Context
5 minutes
- Project the Survey Findings Breakdown slide deck
- Briefly explain survey purpose and key belonging metrics
- Pose opening question: “What factors help you feel connected at school?”
Step 2
Data Review
10 minutes
- Distribute the Data Detective Sheet
- In groups, examine charts on belonging across demographics
- Highlight two surprising trends or gaps in the data
Step 3
Deep-Dive Analysis
10 minutes
- Using the Data Detective Sheet prompts, identify possible root causes for each trend
- Note evidence and group members’ personal observations
- Prepare to share top two root-cause hypotheses
Step 4
Root-Cause Roundtable
8 minutes
- Follow the Root-Cause Roundtable Guide
- Rotate roles: facilitator, note-taker, reporter
- Discuss and refine root-cause hypotheses with group feedback
Step 5
Action Plan Development
7 minutes
- Hands on the Action Plan Blueprint Template
- For each root cause, propose one specific action, responsible parties, and timeline
- Select one action to share in a whole-class debrief
Slide Deck
Survey Findings Breakdown
Understanding Our School’s Sense of Belonging
Analyze key survey results to identify patterns and gaps.
Welcome students to the session. Explain that they'll review data from the recent school climate survey, focusing on belonging. Encourage them to think critically about what the numbers mean for their experience.
Overall Sense of Belonging
Chart: Percentage of 10th graders who agree they feel they belong at school
• Agree: 68%
• Neutral: 20%
• Disagree: 12%
Point out that while a majority feel belonging, about 1 in 5 are neutral and over 1 in 10 disagree. Ask students why a neutral response can still signal concern.
Belonging by Demographic Group
Bar Chart: Belonging Agreement by Gender
• Female: 72%
• Male: 65%
• Non-binary/Other: 50%
Bar Chart: Belonging Agreement by Ethnicity
• Group A: 70%
• Group B: 60%
• Group C: 55%
Highlight disparities. Invite students to note which groups report lower belonging and brainstorm why. Remind them to record observations on the Data Detective Sheet.
Key Questions for Analysis
- What trends or gaps stand out?
- Which student groups report lower belonging?
- What contextual factors might explain these patterns?
Guide students to discuss these questions in their groups for the Data Review step. Encourage them to support ideas with evidence from the charts.
Next Steps
- Distribute the Data Detective Sheet
- In groups, record two surprising trends
- Identify possible root causes
- Prepare to share in the Deep-Dive Analysis
Explain the hands-on activity. Distribute materials and clarify expectations. Remind groups they have 10 minutes for this step and to note their top findings.
Worksheet
Data Detective Sheet
Use this sheet during the Data Review step to record your group’s observations and questions.
1. Surprising Trends or Gaps
- Trend/GAP #1:
- Trend/GAP #2:
2. Evidence & Observations
For each trend, note the specific data points and any observations that help explain why it’s surprising.
Trend/GAP #1 Evidence:
Trend/GAP #2 Evidence:
3. Questions to Investigate
What follow-up questions or data would help you better understand these trends?
4. Possible Root-Cause Hypotheses
Based on your group’s insights, propose one hypothesis for each trend.
Trend/GAP #1 Hypothesis:
Trend/GAP #2 Hypothesis:
5. Key Points for Sharing
What are the top 2 takeaways your group will share in the Deep-Dive Analysis?
Discussion
Root-Cause Roundtable Guide
Use this guide during Step 4: Root-Cause Roundtable of the Interpreting Connection Data lesson plan. This discussion helps you deepen and refine your group’s root-cause hypotheses before developing action steps.
Time: 8 minutes total
1. Assign Roles (30 seconds)
- Facilitator: Keeps the group on schedule and uses prompts to guide discussion.
- Note-Taker: Records key ideas, evidence, and refined hypotheses on chart paper or a shared digital doc.
- Reporter: Synthesizes the group’s final hypothesis and shares it during the whole-class debrief.
2. Share Initial Hypotheses (2 minutes)
Each member has 15–20 seconds to state one root-cause hypothesis they noted on the Data Detective Sheet. Aim to cover both surprising trends your group identified.
3. Probe & Refine (4 minutes)
The Facilitator leads the group through these prompts. Allow 1 minute per bullet to surface insights:
- Why might this trend exist?
• What experiences or observations support this idea? - What evidence strengthens or weakens the hypothesis?
• Refer to specific data points (e.g., demographic gaps). - What underlying factors could contribute?
• School practices, peer dynamics, cultural factors, etc. - Are any assumptions influencing our thinking?
• How could we test or validate them?
Record clarifications, new evidence, and adjustments to each hypothesis.
4. Select & Finalize (1.5 minutes)
- Review your refined hypotheses.
- As a group, choose the one most supported by data and discussion.
- Note-Taker writes the final version in clear, concise language.
5. Prepare to Report (30 seconds)
Reporter practices a 30-second summary:
- State the refined root-cause hypothesis.
- Share one piece of key evidence or insight that convinced the group.
Transition to Action Planning
After time is called, the Reporter will share your group’s refined hypothesis in the whole-class debrief. Then, you’ll move on to the Action Plan Development step using the Action Plan Blueprint Template. Good luck!
Project Guide
Action Plan Blueprint
Use this template during the Action Plan Development step of the Interpreting Connection Data lesson plan. For each root cause you identified, outline a clear, actionable plan to strengthen belonging.
1. Refined Root-Cause Hypothesis
State your group's selected root cause:
2. Proposed Action Step
Describe the specific action you will take to address this root cause:
3. Timeline
Outline key milestones and dates for implementing the action:
4. Responsible Parties
List individuals or groups who will lead, support, and participate in each phase:
5. Success Metrics
Define how you will measure progress and impact (e.g., survey response rates, participation numbers):
6. Potential Obstacles & Solutions
- Possible Challenge #1:
- Proposed Solution #1:
- Possible Challenge #2:
- Proposed Solution #2: