Classification Evaluation of the 1994-95 Common Core of Data

Book excerpt: This report contributes to the comprehensive evaluation of the Common Core of Data (CCD) program by providing an analysis of CCD definitions in order to identify potential classification problems. At the time of the evaluation, the CCD program consisted of four surveys. The focus of this evaluation is on the "Public Elementary/Secondary Education Agency Survey." The evaluation process was initiated by researching state statutes and administrative codes to determine the powers, governance, and services provided by agencies in each state. A detailed analysis of CCD definitions reveals that these definitions are generally inadequate. Many are neither exhaustive nor inclusive. The inadequacy and misinterpretation of these definitions leads to unreliable and invalid data. CCD definitions often do not draw a clear distinction between school and agency surveys. The definitions should be revised to be flexible and exhaustive, with clear documentation and explanation provided for instances in which individual arrangements in states differ from conventional approaches. All education surveys that use CCD definitions as their sampling frame should be coordinated. Changes are especially needed in the areas of enrollment and geographic coding. (Contains two tables.) (SLD)