Lesson: Creating and Using a Data Dictionary - Activities and Instruction

Item

• Using the Data-Element Description form, have participants fill in three sheets with different data elements, choosing from the following list:
  • Student First Name
  • Student Address
  • Student Lunch Status
  • Student ID
  • Staff First Name
  • Staff Social Security Number
  • Staff Certification
  • Building Name
• Have participants share one or more of their descriptions and discuss some with the group.
• Display samples of print or online data dictionaries OR examine the data dictionary defined by state.
• Discuss usefulness of sample data dictionaries or state data dictionary in providing guidance for LEA staff during data entry.

Lesson Resources for Activities and Instruction

• Data Element Description (7 KB)
• Sample Data Dictionaries

Supplementary Resources for Activities and Instruction

• State data dictionary
• NCES handbooks online
• Career and Technical Education Information System (CTEIS) Data Code Manual (Michigan)
• Other sample data dictionaries
• Writing Effective Data Definitions (48 KB)

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