Institutional Data and Analytics

Welcome to the Office of Institutional Data and Analytics.

The Office on Institutional Data and Analytics is dedicated to enhancing educational outcomes through the effective collection, analysis, and utilization of instructional data. Its primary purpose is to empower educators and administrators with actionable insights that inform teaching practices and curriculum development. By leveraging data analytics, the office aims to identify trends, monitor student progress, and drive evidence-based decision-making, ultimately fostering an environment of continuous improvement and innovation in educational settings. Through collaboration with stakeholders, the office aims to promote data literacy and ensure that all students receive personalized support to reach their full potential.

TEXAN FACTS Transition to POWERBI

Texan Facts underwent a significant upgrade and rebranding in Summer 2025, becoming Texan Analytics. As part of this transition, Texan Facts was decommissioned on August 31, 2025. All existing reports are being converted and updated to align with Tarleton State’s continued growth.

If you have not already completed the Texan Facts Reports Access form, please take a few minutes to let us know which Texan Facts reports have been critical to your current role by filling out this form.

Power BI training has transitioned to a personalized One-on-One format, now offered virtually through Microsoft Teams with Mr. John Carroll. This approach provides customized support and hands-on guidance tailored to your specific needs. To schedule a training session, please visit Power BI Training. Mr. Carroll also has weekly office hours via Teams every Thursday from 10:00 to 11:00 AM, where you can drop in for quick questions or help. If you prefer in-person training or would like to arrange a group in-person session, please get in touch with Mr. Carroll directly at jcarroll@tarleton.edu to schedule a time. To help, we’ve put together a handy Power BI How-To guide to show you how to log in, find your apps, and export data with ease!”

The conversion of Texan Facts reports to Power BI is actively underway, with progress on individual reports available via the status tracking link. With the decommissioning of Texan Facts, some daily reports from IDA may experience delays as we work to transition these processes to the new system. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact us.

Office Functions

Identify information needs.

The office plays a critical role in identifying information needs by systematically assessing the data requirements of educators, administrators, and policymakers. This function involves engaging stakeholders to understand their specific challenges and objectives, ensuring that the data collected aligns with their goals for improving student outcomes. By conducting needs assessments and leveraging feedback, the office helps to pinpoint information gaps and prioritizes the collection of relevant data. This proactive approach not only facilitates informed decision-making but also enables the development of targeted interventions and resources that effectively address the unique needs of the educational community.

Collect, analyze, interpret, and report data and information.

The office is responsible for the comprehensive process of collecting, analyzing, interpreting, and reporting data and information critical to educational success. This function begins with the systematic gathering of different data sources, including student assessments, attendance records, and demographic information. Once collected, the data undergoes rigorous analysis to uncover patterns, trends, and insights that inform educational strategies. Interpretation of these findings is essential, as it translates raw data into meaningful narratives that stakeholders can understand and act upon. Finally, the office prepares detailed reports that communicate key insights and recommendations, ensuring that all educational partners are equipped with the information they need to make data-driven decisions that enhance student learning and performance.

Plan and evaluate.

The office plays a vital role in planning and evaluating educational initiatives to ensure they align with strategic goals and effectively address the needs of students and educators. This function involves collaborating with stakeholders to design evidence-based plans incorporating data-driven objectives and measurable outcomes. By establishing clear metrics for success, the office facilitates ongoing evaluation processes that assess the impact of programs and interventions. Regular feedback loops allow for adjustments and improvements, fostering a culture of continuous enhancement. Through meticulous planning and rigorous evaluation, the office ensures that educational strategies remain responsive and effective, promoting better learning experiences and outcomes for all students.

Serve as stewards of data and information.

The office serves as stewards of data and information by ensuring that all educational data is collected, managed, and utilized responsibly and ethically. This function involves implementing robust data governance practices that safeguard student privacy and comply with relevant regulations. The office establishes clear protocols for data access, security, and sharing, ensuring that stakeholders can confidently use information to support educational decision-making. Additionally, the office provides training and resources to promote data literacy among educators and administrators, empowering them to leverage data effectively while maintaining the integrity of the information. By prioritizing ethical stewardship, the office fosters a culture of trust and accountability, enabling the educational community to harness the power of data for improved outcomes.

Educate information producers, users, and consumers.

The office is dedicated to educating information producers, users, and consumers about the effective use of data in the educational landscape. This function involves providing training and professional development opportunities for educators, administrators, and staff to enhance their data literacy and analytical skills. By fostering an understanding of data collection methods, interpretation techniques, and the importance of data-driven decision-making, the office empowers stakeholders to utilize information effectively in their daily practices. Additionally, the office creates resources and tools that facilitate the responsible and meaningful application of data, ensuring that all members of the educational community can contribute to and benefit from a culture of informed decision-making. Through this educational initiative, the office promotes a shared understanding of the value of data, ultimately enhancing the overall effectiveness of educational strategies and improving student outcomes.