A simple guide for zooming in, clicking data points, and interpreting results
Every community has a story — and data helps us understand it. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or community partner, exploring your county’s data can help you see local strengths, identify needs, and make informed decisions. This guide walks you through the basics of navigating any county‑level dashboard on Future Path Data.
1. Start with the map view
Most dashboards begin with a map showing counties, districts, or regions. This is your starting point for understanding the big picture.
Look for:
- Colors on the map — These show levels such as high, medium, or low.
- Markers or shapes — These represent schools, providers, or programs.
- Hover labels — Move your mouse over an area to see quick details.
This first glance helps you see patterns across the state.
2. Zoom in on your county
To explore your local area more closely:
- Use the zoom buttons (+ and –)
- Scroll with your mouse or trackpad
- Click and drag to move the map
- Use the search bar (when available) to jump directly to your county
Zooming in reveals more precise information and helps you compare nearby communities.
3. Click on your county to open details
Once you’ve found your county, click on it. A small window will appear with:
- Key numbers (capacity, enrollment, outcomes, etc.)
- Trends over time
- Breakdowns by student group
- Links to related dashboards
This is where the dashboard becomes personal — you’re now looking at data specific to your community.
4. Use filters to customize what you see
Filters help you explore the data in a way that matches your needs.
Common filters include:
Try adjusting one filter at a time so you can see how the data changes.
5. Read the explanation below the dashboard
Every dashboard includes a short, plain‑language description written to support families and educators.
This section explains:
If you’re new to data dashboards, this section helps everything click into place.
6. Look for patterns and questions
As you explore your county’s data, notice:
Ask yourself:
- What is going well?
- Where are there gaps?
- What do I want to learn more about?
These questions help you move from “looking at data” to “understanding your community.”
7. Explore related dashboards
Many topics connect to each other. After exploring your county’s data, try:
This helps you build a fuller picture of the student journey in your region.
8. Use the insights to support decisions
You can use what you learn to:
- Prepare for school meetings
- Advocate for resources
- Understand local needs
- Support planning at home or in the classroom
Our goal is to make data meaningful, accessible, and actionable for everyone.