How to Compare Regions
Tips for understanding differences between counties, districts, or regions
Comparing regions helps families, educators, and community partners understand how local conditions differ — and why those differences matter. Whether you’re looking at early childhood capacity, K–12 outcomes, or postsecondary enrollment, this guide will help you make sense of the patterns you see across counties, districts, or regions.
1. Start with the big picture
Begin by looking at the full map or chart before zooming in. This helps you see:
- Statewide patterns
- Clusters of high or low values
- Regional differences
Understanding the big picture makes it easier to interpret what’s happening in your own community.
2. Choose two or more regions to focus on
Pick the areas you want to compare. These might be:
- Your county and a neighboring county
- Your school district and the state average
- Rural vs. urban regions
- Regions with similar population sizes
Choosing comparable areas helps you make meaningful observations.
3. Look at the colors, shapes, or markers
Most dashboards use visual cues to show differences.
Pay attention to:
- Color intensity — darker or brighter colors often mean higher values
- Shapes or icons — these may represent schools, providers, or programs
- Boundaries — county or district lines help you see where differences begin
These visuals help you quickly spot contrasts between regions.
4. Click on each region to open details
Clicking on a county or district reveals more information, such as:
- Enrollment or capacity numbers
- Performance or readiness indicators
- Trends over time
- Breakdowns by student group
Comparing these details side‑by‑side helps you understand not just what is different, but why.
5. Use filters to make fair comparisons
Filters help you compare similar groups across regions.
Try filtering by:
- Grade level
- Student group
- Program type
- Year or cohort
For example, comparing 3rd‑grade reading proficiency across counties is more meaningful than comparing different grade levels.
6. Look for patterns, not just numbers
As you compare regions, notice:
- Trends over time
- Areas of improvement
- Consistent strengths or challenges
- Differences between similar communities
Patterns help you understand the story behind the data.
7. Consider context
Numbers don’t tell the whole story. When comparing regions, think about:
- Population size
- Rural vs. urban differences
- Access to programs or services
- Economic conditions
- Transportation or geographic barriers
Context helps you interpret differences more accurately.
8. Use the insights to support decisions
Comparing regions can help you:
- Advocate for resources
- Understand local needs
- Prepare for school or community meetings
- Identify strengths to build on
- Spot gaps that need attention
Data becomes more powerful when it leads to action.
9. Explore related dashboards
After comparing regions in one dashboard, try exploring:
- Early childhood dashboards
- K–12 outcomes dashboards
- College and career dashboards
This helps you see how differences connect across the student journey.