Applying a User Friendly Model of Data Analysis
In this section, Dr. Fox helps the group understand the concept of outcome, demographic, and process data and talks about the difference between using demographic data as an explanation, rather than an excuse.

• Outcome Data indicate the degree to which an individual or group of students has demonstrated particular knowledge and/or skills, and has achieved specified goals (or standards, benchmarks, objectives, or other teaching targets). Dr. Fox helps us understand that outcome data is the only thing that distinguishes teaching from learning.
  
  
• Demographic Data are information about the student, and his/her family and community. These data refer to the experiences, attitudes, and perceptions that affect the ways in which students learn. Dr. Fox talks about the "fine line" between viewing demographic data as an excuse, or as an explanation.

  Explanation
  fine line---------------------------------fine line
  Excuse

  Viewed as an explanation, demographic data help teachers understand student performance and provide critical information for instruction. Perceived as an excuse, demographic data become a predictor of failure. Dr. Fox helps us understand that our task is to understand how demographic factors influence student learning, and use that information to design effective learning experiences for students.

• Process Data are the components, attitudes, and practices that make up the instructional program in the classroom and at the site and district level. Process data are the only data over which teachers and administrators have control.

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