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Making Data "Over-the-Counter" Helps Educators Understand Data

Sat, April 9, 4:05 to 6:05pm, Marriott Marquis, Floor: Level Two, Marquis Salon 4

Abstract

Educators routinely misinterpret student data. Errors persist even after relevant higher education courses and at school districts with proactive data use support. Computer data systems most educators use for data analyses typically report data without analysis guidance. Yet medical labeling conventions can be applied to data reporting to essentially offer educators over-the-counter data, meaning reports are paired with guidance on the proper interpretation of contents. Findings from a quantitative study involving 211 educators of varied backgrounds and roles at nine schools included improvements to respondents’ data analysis accuracy by 205%-436% when one of varied forms of data analysis guidance was embedded within the reporting environment. Findings were significant and can be used to improve data systems and data use.

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