What should the first step of supplemental information gathering NOT be?

The first step of supplemental information gathering focuses on identifying the specific needs that arise within the school community. While school data can be an important aspect of understanding overall trends and outcomes, it should not be the initial step in the supplemental information gathering process.

Conducting needs assessments is essential because it helps organize the information based on the current status of student needs and can guide further inquiry. Other methods, such as interviewing students about their needs, are crucial in gathering qualitative data that provides a broader perspective of the student experience and specific areas that require attention. Creating action plans for intervention typically follows after gathering detailed information and understanding the needs, ensuring that responses are well-informed and targeted.

In contrast, focusing solely on identifying needs from school data may overlook the qualitative experiences and insights from students and other stakeholders, which are vital for a comprehensive understanding of needs. Thus, while school data serves a role later in the process, it is not where one should begin when collecting supplemental information.