Stepping Stones to Problem Statements
© TCDSS 2013
“If I had only one
hour to save the
world, I’d spend
55 min. defining
the problem and
5 minutes finding a
solution.”
© TCDSS 2013
Objectives
• Understand the problem statement is
the crux for intentional planning
• Evaluate problem statements using guiding
criteria
• Formulate a meaningful problem
statement for your campus
© TCDSS 2013
The Problem Statement is a factual statement that
describes data results.
Data Analysis
(What)
Implementation
and Monitoring
© TCDSS 2013
Needs
Assessment
(Why)
Improvement
Plan
(How)
© TCDSS 2013
De
Average annual attendance for the campus is 88%
© TCDSS 2013
Guidelines for Defining
the Problem
 Has a general problem been identified?
 Do we collectively agree it is a problem?
 How is the problem relevant to our
campus?
 What are the details around the
problem?
 Is the problem based on real data?
© TCDSS 2013
Guidelines for Writing
the Problem Statement
Use concise language
Write objectively
Identify specifics such as who, what, when
and where
Capture measurable data
Choose words carefully
© TCDSS 2013
What to avoid
© TCDSS 2013
Transformation HS Problem Statement:
Average annual attendance for the campus is 88%.
Criteria
Y/N
Substantiated by facts/data
Written objectively
Uses concise language
Includes specific details (who, what, when,
where)
Focuses on a single, manageable issue
Has relevance to our campus
Avoids causation or assigning solutions
© TCDSS 2013
 Our 9th grade parents are not involved.
 Our 9th grade parent nights are not well
attended.
 Our 9th grade parent night has a 41%
attendance rate at the beginning of school,
then attendance diminishes to an average
of 11% for the remainder of the year.
© TCDSS 2013
Attendance at 9th grade Family Night has
decreased by 30% over the school year.
© TCDSS 2013
We need to have more engaging lessons
to increase student attendance
© TCDSS 2013
Walk-through data in our 6th grade
science classes indicates 45%
engagement among students.
© TCDSS 2013
Student-centered learning
objectives are not included in lesson
plans over the last nine weeks.
© TCDSS 2013
1) Look at data
2) Identify problem area or gap
3) Write your problem statement
© TCDSS 2013
© TCDSS 2013
ownership
common
acceptance
measurable terms
© TCDSS 2013
A problem properly stated
is half solved.
John Dewey
© TCDSS 2013