Once the school counselor has analyzed the data, what is the next step?

• A. Develop and administer a needs assessment
• B. Organize and distribute data to stakeholders
• C. Locate necessary interventions
• D. Perform a program audit

Answer: (B)

After analyzing data, the next step is to organize and distribute the data to stakeholders. Sharing findings with teachers, administrators, parents, and other involved parties helps everyone understand what the data show, interpret the implications, and build agreement on priorities. This dissemination turns analysis into informed action, guiding subsequent decisions about which needs to address and which interventions to implement.

Other steps fit later in the cycle: a needs assessment is typically conducted earlier to determine what data to collect; locating necessary interventions follows from identifying prioritized needs; a program audit is usually part of ongoing evaluation or accountability rather than the immediate next step after data analysis.