Comment on Aimee Russell's post:
Your reflection captures something the module emphasized strongly — that data interpretation is just as important as data collection. Many institutions invest in research and then ignore findings that don't match their original plans. Your phrase about not "casting it aside" honors the discipline of letting data actually shape decisions.
The three outcomes you identified mirror the massage therapy school example beautifully. Sometimes data redirects toward better options than the original plan, sometimes it points to enhancing existing programs, and sometimes continuing education emerges as the wisest path forward. Each represents legitimate strategic responses to research findings.
Your point about continuing education is one I'm taking back into my own thinking. The module described continuing ed as a low-risk way to test interest before committing significant resources to a full program — that's strategic wisdom worth carrying forward.
In my context as College Director at Central Virginia Community College's Amherst Early College Center, your reminder to actually trust the data resonates. Even strong instincts benefit from comprehensive analysis, and disciplined leaders follow research wherever it leads.
Thank you for a thoughtful contribution.
With Benevolence, Shannon
