Finding and Using Informative Data

November 2013

Effectively using datawill help in sharing your knowledge on a given policy topic with your network, members of Congress and the public. But, where do you find credible data and when should you use data to support your point?

Credible data will compliment reasons to support your cause, and thereby make your point more convincing. It is important to gather reliable data,highlighting the most important points to help support your reasoning, as well as information to help negate any opposition. In this CAN Do, we will list a few different online resources that can provide specific information on current and upcoming pieces of legislation, facts and figures, and data collections regarding individuals with disabilities and/or gifts and talents. It never hurts to do a little extra digging for high-quality data!

Bring it Home! The Importance of Using State Specific Data

State specific data will be one of the most helpful tools to use when discussing how legislationcan/is directly affecting a given district, city, or state. Here are a few ideas to get started:

  • The Office of Special Education Programs, within the U.S. Department of Education, collects key data on IDEA programs. While the Department is in the process of developing a new website, you can still find important data here, including the number of children and youth with disabilities, broken out by disability; number of special education teachers; and much more!
  • IDEA funding by state, including the cut caused by sequestration, can be found here.
  • The Office of Civil Rights within the U.S. Department of Education has an easy-to-use database for district and school level data on numerous issues including: discipline rates, restraint/seclusion, gifted enrollment, teacher experience, general demographic information, and much more!
  • Is there a shortage of special education teachers or related service professionals in your state? Find out here!
  • How did students with disabilities in your state fare on the National Assessment for Educational Progress (NAEP) – also known as the Nation’s Report Card? Find out here!
  • Is your state participating in the development of new assessments? Find out if your state is in PARCC or Smarter Balanced!
  • Another website with relevant statistics and data in multiple subject areas is the U.S. Department of EducationsNational Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the main federal organization responsible for collecting and analyzing data related to education. There are surveys and programs under themes such as: assessments, early childhood, ESEA, international, post-secondary, data systems and more! One of the more unique features of the site is the “Tables and Figures” search tool. This search tool lets you locate all tables/figures/charts published in the inventory of NCES' National Education Data Resource Center (NEDRC)Postsecondary Tables Library; theCondition of Education;the Digest of Education Statistics;Indicators of School Crime and Safetyand other NCES publications. Tables are constantly being added. State tables can be created by visitingState Education Data Profiles. Just enter a word or phrase in the search box, the years to further refine your search (most data involving Special Education goes up to 2011), the subject area, and you’re off and searching!

Build Your Argument: Data on Key Topics

Reports come out daily highlighting changes in education and early learning, sorting through these reports to help build your case with elected officials and members of your networks can be daunting. Here are a few tips/resources you can rely on:

  • CEC’s Policy Insider summarizes numerous reports and highlights the impact on children and youth with exceptionalities. If you’re looking for a particular issue, use the search function to see what comes up!
  • For a comprehensive list of OSEP funded centers with a wealth of resources and data, check out the Technical Assistance and Dissemination Network (TA&D Network) which is a network of approximately 45 Centers funded by the Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). These projects provide information and technical assistance to states, schools, educational professionals and families on topics such as autism, deafness, disproportionate representation, dispute resolution, learning disabilities, parenting children with disabilities, positive behavior supports and transition.
  • Need employment data about individuals with disabilities? The U.S. Department of Labor’s Office of Disability Policy has a wealth of information.
  • The National Council on Disability is an independent federal agency committed to disability policy leadership on a wide range of issues.
  • U.S. ED Special Education Policy Page – learn more about current and past policies archived on the U.S. ED policy page, brush up on that legislation!
  • OSEP - The Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP) is dedicated to improving results for infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities ages birth through 21 by providing leadership and financial support to assist states and local districts.

Swap and Share!

Credible data is always a benefit when talking with legislators, your network, and the public. This CAN Do touched upon a few resources but there are many more out there! Let’s continue this conversation on the CECommunity! Please share credible websites, data, and reports so that everyone can benefit!

A Favor from CEC

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