5. Consistency
Effective SEA reports include measures reported in the same way over time. In doing so, the following attributes of the reported SEA performance information need to be considered:
- Does the SEA performance information reported include the same performance measures presented in the same way from period to period?
Consistent SEA performance information reports the same performance measures from period to period. By reporting the same performance measures from period to period, users may compare performance and monitor trends over several years, and therefore increase their familiarity with and understanding of performance.
- Does the SEA performance information communicate to users when measures are modified, replaced, or the manner of presentation is changed?
Consistent SEA performance information communicates to users when a performance measure or methodology is modified, replaced, or the manner of presentation is changed, and the reasons for the change. This change may occur because of the development of more accurate performance measures, the introduction of new and innovative techniques for activities, changes in program features, changes in administration or leadership priorities, or shifts in other factors influencing results. The manner of presentation also may change (for instance, measures may have been reported by county in one year but aggregated by region in the next).