INTERPRETATION GUIDE
After your team has completed the BFA Self-Assessment, the next step is to identify opportunities for action in support of low-income students.
Discussing Reactions
It is recommended that those responsible for institutional research, planning and institutional effectiveness be involved in discussions about the Self-Assessment findings. These professionals will help the team understand existing data sources and information, as well as develop a plan for regular data collection, analysis, and discussion.
Consider starting the discussion with the following exploratory questions:
- Which strategy most resonates with the group?
- Which strategy seems to best align to your current institutional initiatives?
- Are there cross-cutting themes that emerge as the team reflected on the strategies? If so, what are they?
- Is there an area ripe for more immediate effort than others?
- Is there an area that seems likely to have the greatest impact on low-income student retention and completion?
- Is there an area where data collection or analysis is lacking?
Interpreting the Results
While no interpretation guide can tell the full story of an institution, this section will help teams gain a better understanding of the institution’s strengths and weaknesses, and major opportunities for improvement.