This section provides step-by-step guidance on how to do a variety of data analyses commonly used in the evaluation of dual language programs. It takes you through the steps of doing the analyses that will answer a series of seven sample evaluation questions from a hypothetical dual immersion program:
- Question 1: How many 3rd and 4th graders were enrolled in the dual immersion program in 2004-05?
- Question 2: How many EP and ELL students were in each grade level in 2004-05?
- Question 3: How did ELL/FEP and EP students score on the CST English Language Arts test in 2004-05?
- Question 4: Did program students show progress on the CST English Language Arts test from 2003-04 to 2004-05?
- Question 5: Did students in the program show an increase in English proficiency as measured by the FLOSEM during their time in the program?
- Question 6: What progress do current 4th-grade Spanish speakers show in English proficiency as measured by the FLOSEM during their five years in the program?
- Question 7: How do 4th-grade students of different language proficiency levels compare in Spanish reading as measured by SABE2?
We will use these questions as examples of how to analyze categorical and interval data as described in Section 6, and then how to prepare appropriate graphs based on the results (this is covered in section 9b). Be sure that you use the appropriate testing instruments required by your state.
Data analysis with a good statistical program isn't really difficult. It does not require much knowledge of mathematics, and it doesn't require knowledge of the formulas that the program uses to do the analyses. It really only requires a few things:
- A "clean" spreadsheet that's analysis-ready
- A clear idea of what evaluation questions you want the data to answer
- Attention to detail
- A relaxed frame of mind
This section is quite dense for people who have little or no background with data analysis, but we will take you through it step by step. There's no need to try to grasp it quickly. We suggest taking your time, and experimenting. We have provided you a sample spreadsheet, described below, and we have provided some examples of evaluation questions and analyses that can be done to answer those questions. There are other kinds of questions and analyses nestled in the spreadsheet, so after you work through the examples, go exploring and try your hand at a few of your own.