Summary

This episode discusses the challenges of interpreting school performance data due to student cohort variability. The author explains how shifting student populations make it difficult to accurately assess trends in student achievement year-over-year, a phenomenon referred to as the "parallax problem". The article explores the limitations of using aggregate data, advocating for more nuanced approaches like disaggregated data analysis, growth models, and longitudinal studies. The author argues that these methods offer a more accurate picture of school effectiveness by considering individual student progress and accounting for differences in student populations.

https://dottore.substack.com/p/the-parallax-problem-in-k-12-data?r=71rzs&utm_campaign=post&utm_medium=web

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit dottore.substack.com