1. Technical Aspects of the Data
Warning Serious Geeking Out Ahead!

2. Collect your data in a Data Bin
Student information system is most common
Spreadsheets will do in a pinch
Know whether you are collecting numbers or words (either is fine, but know the answer!)

3. Enter Clean Data If the Data is not Clean...Clean it!
One Field (spreadsheet column) per piece of information -- do not cross the data streams!
Consistent Language is important if you are counting demographics. “Nuance is for narratives”!
Data is a representation of Reality! Know the real-world analog to the data that you are manipulating
Take CAREFUL notes when you change the data -- you are working with real people!

4. Spreadsheets (Excel, Sheets) Vs. Data Visualization (Charts, Tableau)
Spreadsheets are great for formulas - formulas are used to Count, Compare, Calculate, and Report
Data Visualization is great for Finding Patterns and Reporting information
Choose Wisely.
Sample

5. Don’t Be Afraid of the formulas
Know what your Goal is
Don’t be afraid to ask (or Google)
=COUNTIFS(comp!$K$2:$K$11331,"*A- *", comp!$W$2:$W$11331,5)
Translation:
On The Computer Science Data Sheet
For rows 2-11,331,
If Column K has an “A-” AND
If Column W has the number 5,
Then Add “1”
Repeat for all rows.

6. Choose your team: Math Teachers are invaluable
Choose your team: Math Teachers are invaluable! (so are AP Stats Classes).
Remember to check the data against the real world (The 120% Example)
Data IS NOT communication of information. Those are separate steps
Other Tips and Tricks