What Counts as Data?

Source: Coalition of Essential Schools

When teachers set out to observe the "data" in their own practice, they can call on a wide range of evidence, both quantitative and qualitative. Among the possibilities:

• Student work (as exemplars and points along a continuum of standards) in written, videotaped, and portfolio forms
• Curriculum and assessment designs and materials (evidence of teacher planning and development)
• Analyses of survey responses from teachers, students, parents
• Written reflections from teachers, students, parents
• Oral interviews and records of focus groups
• Student progress beyond school
• Notes and feedback from peer observations
• Shadowing of students
• "Portraits" describing events in the life of the school (the way it resolves a dilemma, for example); stories and reflections by students and teachers
• Quantitative data (disaggregated by race and ethnicity, gender, and income status) including course grades, standardized test scores, dropout and suspension rates, attendance, grade retention, special education enrollment, enrollment in high-level classes

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Last modified: June 2, 2004

Disclaimer: This website is the sole responsibility of Mike McMahon. It does not represent any official opinions, statement of facts or positions of the Alameda Unified School District. Its sole purpose is to disseminate information to interested individuals in the Alameda community.