You do not need advanced tools. You need clear visuals that staff can read quickly.

Four visuals worth mastering

1. Line graph for trends
   Best for attendance, progress, behaviour frequency, survey trend items.

2. Bar chart for comparisons
   Best for cohorts, subjects, or strand performance.

3. Heat map for pattern spotting
   Best for item analysis, misconceptions, or class-level comparisons.

4. Table with thresholds
   Best when you need clear decision rules and quick scanning.

Two rules that prevent confusion

• Use clear labels that tell the reader what to notice.

• Show fewer numbers, but say more about what they mean.

A leadership habit
Always pair a chart with one sentence: “What this suggests is…”

Key Takeaways

• Simple visuals increase shared understanding.

• Label for meaning, not decoration.

• Always add a one-sentence interpretation.

Quick Check

Draft a chart caption for a weekly attendance trend.