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Mastering the PAYS Web Tool: From Data to Deeper Insights

Intended Audience

Educators, school and district administrators, prevention professionals, behavioral health providers, community partners, and other community members who use PAYS data to inform prevention planning, program development, and continuous improvement.

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Mastering the PAYS Web Tool: From Data to Deeper Insights

Intended Audience

Educators, school and district administrators, prevention professionals, behavioral health providers, community partners, and other community members who use PAYS data to inform prevention planning, program development, and continuous improvement.

Level

Advanced

Estimated length

1+ Hours

Implementation Stage(s)

Plan and Prepare
Evaluation and Improvement
Sustainability

Level

Advanced

Estimated length

1+ Hours

Implementation Stage(s)

Plan and Prepare
Evaluation and Improvement
Sustainability

Description

This advanced course builds on foundational knowledge of the Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) and prepares participants to access, filter, and interpret data using the PAYS Web Tool. Participants will learn to use the Categories, Variables, and Crosstabs tools to explore behavioral patterns, analyze topics such as substance use, risk and protective factors, mental health, and school climate, and compare results across student groups. The course emphasizes selecting appropriate data analysis tools, identifying trends, informing prevention strategies, and supporting continuous improvement at the local and state levels.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand how to access, filter, and interpret PAYS data using the PAYS Web Tool.
  • Identify areas in which the PAYS Web Tool can support the analysis of topics such as substance use, risk and protective factors, mental health, and school climate.
  • Explain the data analysis purpose(s) of the Categories Tool, the Variables Tool, and the Crosstabs Tool. 
  • Be better prepared to use survey data to identify trends, inform prevention strategies, and support continuous improvement efforts at the local and state levels.

Real-World Application

Participants can apply this knowledge to analyze local PAYS data, identify emerging trends and areas of need, and develop targeted prevention strategies. The findings can also inform program planning, resource allocation, and continuous improvement efforts in schools and communities.

Developers

Alise Barr, PAYS Support & Development Specialist, Penn State EPIS

Phyllis Law, Systems Change Specialist, Penn State EPIS

Continuing Education

  • Earn a certificate upon completion and submit it to your employer for continuing education credit.
  • Pennsylvania educators earn Act 48 credits by completing this course.
  • The PLP team is currently exploring additional opportunities to expand continuing education credit eligibility within Pennsylvania and to other states in the future.

What Learners are Saying

Check back soon for learner feedback.

Level Up Your Expertise

Level Up Your Expertise

  • eCourse

    PAYS 101: Just the Basics

    PAYS 101: Just the Basics

  • Trainings and Webinars

    PAYS First Wednesdays at 1pm Webinar Recordings

    PAYS First Wednesdays at 1pm Webinar Recordings

  • Websites

    Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS): Behavioral Risk and Protective Factor Data

    Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS): Behavioral Risk and Protective Factor Data