The ATA Chronicle - November/December 2024 - 16

Turning Data into a Story
Presenting data can be very dry. But when data is presented
in a story, it can be impactfully transformative. When you're
ready to present your data to a specific audience, consider
the three data story elements: data, narrative, and visuals.
(See Figure 1 above.)
For example, if you're presenting the results of interpreting
and translation services to a school board, you can list numbers
like " 100 interpreting assignments " and " 40 translation
projects, " but without context these figures won't mean much to
your listeners. Now, consider transforming that data into a story:
" Over the past year, our team successfully completed 100 interpreting
assignments, 95 of which were for special education, ensuring that
non-English-speaking students and their families had equal access
in individualized education program (IEP) meetings. Additionally,
40 translation projects were completed, with 75% focused on IEPs,
helping schools communicate critical information to families in
their native languages. " (See Figure 2 below.)
Visualizing the Data
To make the story even more impactful, visual representation is
key. As humans, we tend to grasp information more easily when
it's presented visually. For interpreting and translation services,
simple visuals like bar charts, pie charts, and line graphs can
make the data come alive. For instance:
y A bar chart can compare the number of interpreting
assignments completed for different departments (e.g.,
general education vs. special education) to show how
resources are being used. (See Figure 3 above.)
y A pie chart can illustrate the percentage of translation projects
focused on IEPs vs. general communications, highlighting
where the effort is mostly concentrated. (See Figure 4 below.)
Suddenly, the data reveals a powerful story about the impact
of these services on students' education and family engagement,
framing the numbers within a larger narrative centered on
equity, access, and support in the provision of special education
related services.
16 The ATA Chronicle | November/December 2024
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The ATA Chronicle - November/December 2024

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