Seeking Advice: Integrating CD2 Data for Student & Instructor Success KPIs

[mosher]

Hello all, 

Our institution has kicked off an initiative to utilize CD2 data to develop robust student success KPIs and, later, metrics for instructor success.

We're looking to learn from those who are already down this path and hear about your success stories in particular!

For those of you using CD2 data to measure institutional success:

• What specific metrics or KPIs have you been able to derive successfully from the CD2 data that led to a positive change or decision at your institution?
• What has been your greatest positive lesson learned about data alignment? Did you find that integrating with external sources (SIS, advising platforms, etc.) was a critical step in creating comprehensive, actionable metrics?
• Can you share any "quick wins" or successful strategies we should implement as we begin this process?

Thanks in advance for sharing your expertise and successful outcomes!

[ZaidGandhi]

Hello @mosher ,

As a data analyst and developer, I’ve successfully implemented similar projects leveraging CD2, some of which are still in progress as Canvas is still trying to develop this. I was one of the few early adopters for CD2 when it first came out. I’m happy to share some insights and outcomes that may help guide your initiative:

Key KPIs Derived from CD2 Data:

• Retention and progression rates: Tracking student cohort movement across terms helped us pinpoint intervention opportunities.

• Course engagement and completion metrics: Using assignment submissions, attendance, and grade distribution from CD2, we identified courses needing additional support and developed learning analytics emphasising engagement.

• At-risk student identification: Early warning signals based on login frequency, participation, and missed deadlines enabled timely outreach and support.

• Instructor activity indices: Monitoring feedback turnaround, timely grading, and engagement in student forums provided a foundation for instructor success metrics.

Lessons Learned About Data Alignment:

• Integrating external sources—like SIS and advising platforms—can be critical. It would give context beyond LMS activity, and allow you to validate enrollment and grades, and map student support touchpoints for a holistic view, providing what and how you use it at your organisation.

• Data governance and DATA INFRASTRUCTE is key: Collaborate early with IT and institutional academic teams to standardize student and instructor identifiers / metrics across platforms. I'd strongly advise to start thinking about the infrastructure as that is the most time consuming process.

Quick Wins and Strategies:

• Start with pilot dashboards using key "engagement" metrics and retention data—these quickly demonstrated data value to stakeholders.

• Automate regular reporting: Set up scheduled ETL jobs so KPI dashboards are always up to date and actionable.

• Engage stakeholders: Meet early with advising staff and academic leads to define what “actionable” means to them and iterate metric definitions accordingly. This will help you plan what to action in the beginning as the API offers vast data points.

I’d be happy to connect offline / online for further insights if you'd like - feel free to reach out!

Best regards,

Zaid

[stevenwilliams]

Hi Stephanie -- one resource I would strongly encourage you to engage with as you begin this work is the EDUCAUSE Analytics Institutional Self Assessment. Although it does not specifically address some of your questions about specific CD2 metrics and KPIs, this rubric provides institutions with the ability to reflect and align on your current capacity in some of the key domains that enable this work taking place successfully from both technical and functional standpoints. By aligning your own current capacities and aspirations with the sections in this tool (Workforce, Data Governance, Data Management, Leadership, and Data-Informed Culture) you can better understand where your institution's strengths lie and what opportunities exist to expand your capacities.

One piece of advice I give anyone working with this rubric -- don't be discouraged if you find one or more categories where your institution has work ahead of you to achieve the strongest capabilities. Many institutions have had great success working with CD2 data and student success initiatives even with gaps or opportunities within their current operating model. However, this rubric is a useful tool to understand what the key enablers of this work are, and what beginner, intermediate, and high proficiency look like across each domain.