Why do media often report wrong facts? It's because they do not have the right data. Unlike scientists, reporters are writing or broadcasting about what they witnessed. Not much research can be done due to the time element. No collective data available right on the spot to support claims.
Non-profit educational bodies need actual student data to determine the basis of the nature of their admission. Schools can then strategize on their systems and offerings. Making sure that the specific need of a student is met by providing the right assistance to enrollees can generate better yield, according to Samford Advocate.
The non-profit groups conducting the surveys are; College Board for the SAT, the "National Research Center for College and University Admissions" (NRCCUA) and the ACT. The student data will then be input into a database model and analyzed using a model for the criteria.
The school can then predict the movements during enrollment and will be able to set-up an effective system based on the requirements or preferences of students. Other surveys can also be conducted to determine around 300 points using the same data. 3rd parties are buying these data at a higher rate.
This system of collecting and analyzing student data to make processes effectively has been used by many established companies. Now, the education sector is adopting it to be able to cope with the demands.
Once the students are admitted, schools can use the same student data but processed in a different model to determine the relevance of the students' background to their educational success. Further on, the path for the exceptional individuals who excel in their field can also have ready supporting student data.
The scaling system ranging from zero to 10 is used in rating preferences on top of the usual information asked such as race and nationality. The possible large amount of money these non-profit organizations gain out of selling the student data prompted Manuela Ekowo to inquire.
Ekowo, is the co-author of the New America paper, is certain that the surveying entities' profit from the data is substantial. However, it is not her concern to challenge the money. She is more concerned that discrimination can happen based on the data on hand.
Determining the predictive data of dropouts, for example, can give educational institutions an idea to be selective with their future students. Perhaps laws can be passed to prevent discrimination from happening in the school system after these student data can be available to all.
Student data must be used and protected based on best principles, according to the Student Data website.
