Reviewing available datasets for public schools shows different ways I could approach working with data regarding student achievement.  For instance, not only does the data provide a full range of performance grades, for students who are doing just great to those who are failing miserably, it also provides proficiency scores in math and English.  I initially thought I would put emphasis on charter schools to find those offering progressive methodologies, but the truth is progressive schools could also be located within the standard public school system so that I could miss important information looking solely within charter schools.

If I am to work with this data successfully, I have to define an exact question as dealing with all of the variables offered in various reports could make this project quite unwieldy.  That means whether I want to know if technology is being used in inner city schools, or if I want to look at how to create engaged active learners, the data can lead viewers to consider these topics.  My job is to approach the data pragmatically.

I am revising my project to determine how different types of funding can effect student learning using datasets from schools in two districts, that receive various types of funding including from donations to schools that are established as non-profit organizations, to those who are designated Title I or non-Title I schools.  Approaching the project this way could reveal how parents who are actively engaged with their schools have a say in their children’s school experience as opposed to those where parents are not involved.

I am hopeful this work will prompt discussions around why some schools are failing students, what must happen to cause positive changes at failing schools and lead to conversations around school privatization, parental involvement, pedagogy and methodology.