You are here
Colorado Demographics & Data
Colorado Demographics/Data
When reviewing data to explore trends and differences among student populations, it is integral to take into account differences in income levels, racial backgrounds and academic performance, etc. Inequity can manifest in various ways and prevail in the data differently. For example, by analyzing data on low-income and high-income students, one may uncover disparities in access to educational resources and opportunities. Low-income students might face challenges such as limited access to integral courses, remediation, tutoring or extracurricular activities, which can hinder their academic progress and overall development compared to their high-income counterparts. Similarly, when examining data across different racial, ability or cultural groups, disparities may arise in disciplinary actions, academic achievement, representation in advanced courses, graduation/dropout/truancy rates, etc.
Identifying areas of drastic differences is vital in data analysis as it pinpoints where resources and attention are most urgently needed and what areas of improvement exist. This could include significant discrepancies in standardized test scores, graduation rates, SAT scores, attendance or participation in advanced placement courses. By recognizing these disparities, schools can target specific interventions and allocate resources strategically to promote greater equity and foster an inclusive learning environment.
Avoiding Confirmation Bias
Avoiding confirmation bias in the classroom, where teachers might hold biases about certain students, is key for creating an equitable and inclusive learning environment. To mitigate this bias, educators should focus on self-awareness, regularly reflect on their beliefs/attitudes and actively challenge any biases they may uncover. This also pertains to reflecting on data related to specific student groups, as the next section dives into. Fostering open communication with students, where students share their thoughts, can also help teachers better understand each student’s unique strengths and challenges.
The following data tables/dashboards depict a few key ways to look at data from your school or in your district, and also allow for opportunities to make some cross-school/district comparisons to see what equitable actions/changes may need to be made. Before looking at the data, consider the following questions:
Put on Your Equity Lens (Guiding Questions)
- Which populations are underrepresented in your school/district? What patterns of academic achievement or metrics do you see within these populations?
- Are students with exceptionalities (those identified as having a disability, or gifted and talented) overrepresented or underrepresented in your school/district?
- What are some common beliefs, misconceptions or stereotypes about specific demographic groups in your school/district?
- What are the different attendance levels, graduation rates and proficiency levels of student groups? Which outcomes do you find surprising?
- What policies or practices may be related to these disproportionate outcomes?
- What can you learn from other districts or schools that have similar demographics and student groups as yours?
- What are the demographic differences between your school/district’s students compared to staff?
Resource: Note Taking Worksheet
Note: It would be beneficial to look through these datasets and use the Note Taking Worksheet in a collaborative way with colleagues to discuss data differences among students and policies that impact those differences.
Datasets
- Financial Transparency Comparison Tool
- District and School Level Race/Ethnicity/Lunch Eligibility Data
- Graduation Data Dashboard
- Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism Data
- Discipline Data (Suspension/Expulsion)
- Dropout Rate Dashboard
Student Data
- Kindergarten School Readiness Data
- Math, ELA, Spanish, SAT Proficiency by School/Demographics
- District and School Dashboard | CDE (state.co.us)
- Healthy Kids Colorado Survey
Staff Data
- Personnel Turnover Rate by District and Position Categories (XLSX)
- Principal and Assistant Principal by Gender and Race (XLSX)
- Count of Teachers by District, Ethnicity and Gender (XLSX)
- Student-Teacher Ratios by School (XLSX)
- Student-Teacher Ratios by District (XLSX)
- Counselor, Psychologist, Social Worker, Registered Nurse Position to Student Ratios (XLSX)
This page is maintained by the Federal Programs and Supports Unit.
Please help us keep it current by reporting any issues, inaccurate information, or suggestions for improvements.
Connect With Us