Mr. Ulrich is a high school social worker focusing on attendance and dropout prevention. How can he most effectively promote his alternative policy approach to the school's administration?

Mr. Ulrich is a high school social worker focusing on attendance and dropout prevention. How can he most effectively promote his alternative policy approach to the school's administration?

• A. Anecdotes from students whose attendance patterns illustrate the issue
• B. Use the school's data on attendance, ninth grade academic performance, and dropout rates to demonstrate empirically that the approach would be more effective
• C. Present anecdotes without supporting data
• D. Recruit several students to speak at the administration meeting

Answer: (B)

Presenting data to back up a policy idea is the most persuasive approach when talking with school administrators. When you show how attendance, ninth-grade academic performance, and dropout rates are likely to change under the proposed plan, you’re offering objective, measurable evidence that the approach can work. Administrators need to see that the policy isn’t just well-intentioned but has demonstrated potential impact, aligns with school goals, and justifies the resources required. Using the data also helps anticipate questions about feasibility, helps estimate effects on accountability targets, and makes the plan tangible through baseline figures and projected outcomes. While stories from students can highlight lived experiences, data provides generalizable support that strengthens credibility and increases the likelihood of gaining approval. In addition, focusing on ninth-grade performance is especially relevant, since early high school indicators strongly relate to long-term graduation prospects, making the argument more compelling.

Presenting data to back up a policy idea is the most persuasive approach when talking with school administrators. When you show how attendance, ninth-grade academic performance, and dropout rates are likely to change under the proposed plan, you’re offering objective, measurable evidence that the approach can work. Administrators need to see that the policy isn’t just well-intentioned but has demonstrated potential impact, aligns with school goals, and justifies the resources required. Using the data also helps anticipate questions about feasibility, helps estimate effects on accountability targets, and makes the plan tangible through baseline figures and projected outcomes. While stories from students can highlight lived experiences, data provides generalizable support that strengthens credibility and increases the likelihood of gaining approval. In addition, focusing on ninth-grade performance is especially relevant, since early high school indicators strongly relate to long-term graduation prospects, making the argument more compelling.