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WISEdash Help: Glossary of Terms Used in WISEdash Public Portal

Glossary of Terms Used in WISEdash Public Portal

 

Symbols A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

 

More glossaries from other DPI teams:

Symbols

 
* asterisk
WISEdash displays an asterisk * in a dashboard's data table instead of a number when it's required to mask data with small groups of students. The asterisk * also may appear in a graph's legend by a white box redaction icon. This masking is called redaction and is required by federal law to protect student confidential information. The asterisk * is different than "--" in data files. See separate webpage on Redaction. See also "redaction" and "-- dashes" in this glossary
-- dashes
WISEdash displays two dashes -- in a dashboard's data table or in a downloadable file to indicate that there were 0 students as a denominator in the category of data, resulting in a numerator divided by 0, giving an invalid number. See also " * asterisk".
2ND (SECOND) FRIDAY OF JANUARY ENROLLMENT
See "Enrollment."
3RD (THIRD) FRIDAY OF SEPTEMBER ENROLLMENT
See "Enrollment."
4, 5, 6 and 7-YEAR RATES (High School Completion)

Adjusted cohort rates associated with 4, 5, 6 and 7-year high school completion time frames. See About the Data - High School Completion for formulas used to calculate these rates.

A

 
ABSENTEEISM

The percentage (rate) of the school's students who are absent at least 16% of the time. Absenteeism is used as an indicator on School Report Cards.

ACCESS FOR ELLs ®
ACCESS for ELLs ® (Assessing Comprehension and Communication in English State-to-State for English Language Learners) is a test designed to measure English language proficiency. See more at Assessments for English Language Learners webpage.
ACT
A testing system designed by the ACT Corporation (ACT) to assess high school students' general educational development and their ability to complete college-level work. The ACT tests cover four subjects: English, mathematics, reading, and science. See the ACT website for details. WISEdash provides two sets of ACT results.  ACT Graduates scores are for members of the graduating class who took the test as 10th, 11th, or 12th graders. Only students who completed the entire test are represented in these data.  ACT Statewide scores are for 11th graders that took the required ACT test on the designated statewide testing days. Writing is a required component of the statewide test. All test results are included regardless of whether the entire test was completed.
ACT SUBJECT
ACT Graduates consists of four base subjects: English, mathematics, reading, and science, plus an optional writing test. In WISEdash, the composite and combined scores are displayed as subject filters. See "Combined" and "Composite" definitions. ACT Statewide contains the same four base subjects but requires the writing section. DPI calculates an English language arts (ELA) score based on English, reading, and writing scores. See the ACT website for more detailed ACT subject descriptions.
ACTUAL DAYS OF ATTENDANCE
Total number of days of district-supervised PK-12 educational services received by a student during a school term. For more details and descriptions of atypical attendance situations, see Attendance Data Collection and Reporting.
ADJUSTED COHORT (High School Completion)
The cohort of students associated with a specific graduating class as of the start of high school, adjusted for each school year due to subsequent changes in the enrollment status of these students. Students are assigned to one and only one cohort year the first time a student completes a school year in a high school grade in WI public schools. At the end of the selected graduation timeframe (4-year, 5-year, 6-year or 7-year), adjustments are made to remove any student from the his/her assigned cohort. A student is removed from his/her cohort if his/her most recent WI public school has written confirmation that the student has transferred to another state or a nonpublic WI school, emigrated to another country, or is deceased prior to the end of that timeframe. Each remaining student in the cohort is included in the count of students in the adjusted cohort for the most recent WI public school accountable for the student. For more information about adjusted cohorts, see 34 CFR §200.19(a)(4)(ii) and (v).
ADMINISTRATION
One of three categories of school district employees, including district administrators, assistant supervisors of special education (A and B), directors of human relations/multicultural education/equity, directors of special education, assistant directors of special education, central office administration and pupil services, and library media supervisors.
ADMINISTRATION AND OPERATIONS
A cost category that includes expenditures for general, school building, and business administration; central services; insurance and judgments; other support services; and non-program transactions. For more information about cost categories, see Comparative Cost per Member.
ADVANCED (performance)
"Advanced" is one of four performance categories used in the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS). The four performance categories are: Advanced, Proficient, Basic, and Below Basic. Advanced demonstrates in-depth understanding of academic knowledge and skills tested on the statewide standardized test.
ADVANCED COURSEWORK
Courses of study covered by the Advanced Placement ® Program (AP), Cooperative Academic Partnership Program (CAPP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. Until 2007-08, additional courses of study identified as "DPI-Defined Advanced Coursework" were also reported as "Advanced Coursework." See "DPI-Defined Advanced Coursework."
ADVANCED PLACEMENT ® PROGRAM
Program and their exams designed by the College Board of Princeton, New Jersey, which represent the culmination of college-level work in a given discipline in a secondary school setting. Advanced Placement (AP®) exams allow high school 9th through 12th graders to earn college credit while still in high school.
AIDES / SUPPORT / OTHER STAFF
One of three categories of school district employees, including bus drivers, bookkeeper, clerical staff, executive assistant/support supervision, plant operation personnel, plant maintenance personnel, cafeteria workers, athletic coaches, educational interpreters-hearing impaired, advisors to student clubs, administrative assistants, directors of transportation, directors of athletics, directors of public relations, recreation department staff, research personnel, program aides, other support staff, other professional staff in non-educational roles.
ALL ENROLLMENTS (Postsecondary Enrollment)
All postsecondary enrollments from the student's high school completion exit date through the latest NSC update. All Enrollments include initial First Fall, Second Fall, and Later Enrollments as well as all enrollments after the initial enrollments .
ALTERNATE ASSESSMENT
See "Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM)" or "Wisconsin Alternate Assessment for Students with Disabilities."
AP EXAM
Advanced Placement ® Exam. The AP examinations are administered each year in May and represent the culmination of college-level work in a given discipline in a secondary school setting. The AP exams test students' ability to perform at a college level. See official AP website for Exam descriptions.
AP SUBJECTS
Advanced Placement ® courses and Exam names. See the official AP website for course descriptions.
ASPIRE ASSESSMENT
The ACT Aspire Assessment is a state-wide standardized exam that is used to assess the college readiness of students in preparation for taking the ACT Assessment. The exam was given to students in grades 9 and 10.
ATTENDANCE
Act or state of receiving district-supervised PK-12 educational services. For more details, see Attendance Data Collection and Reporting.
ATTENDANCE RATE
Actual days of attendance divided by possible days of attendance, expressed as a percentage (%). For a student group, school, or district, this is the percentage of students in the group, school, or district in attendance on a typical school day. For calculation details, see About the Data - Attendance.
AVERAGE DAILY ATTENDANCE
The sum of actual days attendance divided by the total days of instruction.
AVERAGE DAILY MEMBERSHIP
The sum of possible days attendance divided by the total days of instruction.
AVERAGE SCORE

The mean (or average) scale score for each grade within a school or district for successive years for purposes of tracking relative academic growth from one year to the next. See "Scale score"

B

 
BADGER
The Badger Assessment is a statewide Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS) standardized exam. The exam was given to students in grades 3 through 8 and measured student achievement in two subject areas: English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. This exam was given in school year 2014-15 only.
BASIC (performance)
"Basic" is one of four performance categories used in the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS). Basic demonstrates some academic knowledge and skills tested on the statewide standardized test.
BEHAVIOR
The offense committed by the perpetrator. For public reporting, the behaviors are placed into groups: Assault, Drugs and Alcohol, Endangering Behavior, Weapon Related and Other Violation of School Rules. For more detailed information, see Behavior Descriptor.
BELOW BASIC (performance)

"Below Basic" (formerly "Minimal Performance") is one of four performance categories used in the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS).  Below Basic demonstrates little academic knowledge and skills tested on the statewide standardized test.

C

 
CERTIFICATE (High School Completion)
See "High School Completion Certificate."
CERTIFIED DATA
Certified data maintains an "official" static version which provides consistent reporting over time. See more details on the WISEdash Certified Data webpage.
CLASS (Teacher Qualifications)
A setting in which organized instruction of course content is provided to one or more students (including cross-age groupings) for a given period of time. See Number of Classes and NCLB Documentation for details.
CLOSE
"Close" is one of four readiness categories used in the ACT Aspire. The four performance categories are: Exceeding, Ready, Close and In Need of Support. Close indicates a proximity to college readiness without meeting the standard.
COHORT (High School Completion)
A group of students assigned to the same cohort year. See also "Cohort Year" and "Adjusted Cohort."
COHORT DROPOUTS (Legacy High School Completion Rates)
The number of dropouts for a graduating class over four years. For example, 12th grade dropouts for the year reported + 11th grade dropouts for the prior year + 10th grade dropouts for 2 years prior + 9th grade dropouts for 3 years prior. Cohort dropouts are used in the calculation of Legacy High School Completion Rates. Legacy High School Completion Rates were last reported for school year 2011-12.
COHORT YEAR (High School Completion)
The customary graduation year for students who first enter grade 9 four years earlier. For example, the "2015 cohort" is the cohort year of students who first entered grade 9 in fall of 2011 regardless of whether or when these students actually graduate. Each student is assigned to a specific cohort year based on the school year of his/her first high school enrollment period in Wisconsin public schools and his/her grade level placement at that time. Once a student is assigned to a cohort year, that cohort year is used statewide and is permanent (no exceptions e.g. for mobility, enrollment gaps, or special education status).
COLLEGE READINESS BENCHMARKS
Scores on each of the four main ACT tests (reading, English, mathematics, and science) that can be used to predict whether or not a student will succeed in that subject in college. ACT's empirical definition of college readiness is having a likelihood of 50 percent of earning a grade of B or better or 75 percent of earning a C or better in a typical credit-bearing first-year college course.
COMBINED
A merged English and writing ACT test score.  The "Combined" score is created by using a formula that weights the English test score two-thirds (2/3) and the writing test score one-third (1/3). See ACT website for details.
COMBINED ELEMENTARY/SECONDARY SCHOOL
A school that generally offers instruction at all grade levels through grade 12 in one location due, in most cases, to the size of the district. Although offered at one location, instruction is differentiated as elementary, middle or junior high school, and high school.
COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
School-sponsored and school-supervised activities which emphasize service to and involvement with the community. These activities fit into two categories: voluntary and required. Activities are counted as voluntary when participation is not required and no grade or credit toward graduation is given, even if it is part of a regular curriculum offering (most often associated with extra-/co-curricular groups). Activities are counted as required when participation is required and a grade or credit toward graduation is given as part of a regular curriculum offering.
COMPLETED THE SCHOOL TERM
See "Students who Completed the School Term."
COMPLETER (High School Completion)
See "High School Completer."
COMPLETION (High School Completion)
See "High School Completion."
COMPLETION CREDENTIAL (High School Completion)
See "High School Completion Credential."
COMPLETION RATE (High School Completion)
See "High School Completion / Non-Completion Rate."
COMPOSITE
The Composite Score is the average of the four ACT test scores, rounded to the nearest whole number. This is the number most commonly referred to as an "ACT Score." Composite scores cannot be included in the percent college ready calculations in WISEdash. See ACT website for details.
CONDITIONAL EXPULSION
An expulsion that provides for reinstatement prior to the expulsion expiration date if conditions are met. For details, see Early Reinstatement Condition.
CONTINUING (High School Completion)
See "Known to be Continuing."
COOPERATIVE ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (CAPP) COURSES
A college or university advanced level course offered at a high school and available to students for college credit through arrangement with a specific college or university. CAPP Courses were formerly referred to as College Advanced Placement Program courses.
CORE SUBJECTS (ESEA)
English, reading or language arts, mathematics, science, foreign languages, civics and government, economics, arts, history, and geography. This definition is based on the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA). See ESEA regulations Sec. 200.55.
COST PER MEMBER
Cost divided by Membership. For information about cost categories, see Comparative Cost per Member .
COURSE
A course has a distinct course number and may be offered by more than one teacher or in several classes or sections. If it has a distinct course number, it is counted only once. A course may be one year, one semester, or one quarter in length. A course is not a section or class.
CREDENTIAL (High School Completion)
See "High School Completion Credential."
CREDIT (High School Graduation Standards/Requirements)
A unit of student progress indicating successful completion of a school term of study in one course in the high school grades that meets daily for a normal class period or the equivalent established by the board. This definition is based on the definition of "Credit" provided in Chapter PI 18 High School Graduation Standards. See also "School Term."
CURRENT EDUCATION COST
The sum of costs attributable to district residents for Instruction, Pupil/Staff Services, and Administration/Operations. For details about cost categories, see Comparative Cost per Member .
CUT SCORE

A numerical score that separates test takers into various performance levels.

D

 
DASHBOARD
A visual collection of interactive graphs and tables that provides multi-year educational data about Wisconsin schools. In WISEdash, the dashboard is the area below the blue menu tabs. A dashboard has 2 main parts: 1) a gray Filter Pane to select and group data and 2) the a white Results Pane to display graphs and tables resulting from the filter pane selections.
DATA SUPPRESSED
In a WISEdash graph label, "data suppressed" means that the number of students in that group was too small and was masked to protect student data privacy. See the redaction webpage for more details.
DAYS REMOVED (Expulsion or Out-of-School Suspension)
School days during which students are removed from school grounds due to expulsion or out-of-school suspension. For details on how days are counted and how removals impact days of attendance, see Discipline Action Length and Attendance Data Collection and Reporting.
DIGITAL ACCESS
Access, shared or dedicated, to primary learning device, personal or school-provided, see Digital Access page.
DIGITAL DEVICE
The device used most often by the student to complete school work at home, see Digital Device page.
DISABILITY
Disability is the most disabling condition of an IDEA-eligible student's impairment. Disability codes are defined by the U.S. Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP), and used for disaggregated federal and state accountability reporting. Students without disabilities (SwoD) and unknown disability (UNK) are removed from the graph. Complete information on disability reporting is at the disability reporting page.
DISABILITY STATUS
Indicates that a student has been reported by the school district as needing special education and/or related services. See the special education eligibility home page for more details.
DISTRICT
Also known as Local Education Agency (LEA). This field represents the public school district or independent 2r charter associated to the student at the time of reporting. For Certified Data, the district represents the District of Accountability / Accountable District in most cases. If the District of Accountability is not known the district represents the Attending / Submitting District.
DISTRICT EXPERIENCE (Staff)
The number of years a staff member has been employed by the district. District experience is based on years of experience in education. This may overlap different positions. For details see WISEstaff/PI-1202 Data Collection Information. (Click on Data Definitions.)
DLM
See "Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM)"
DPI BENCHMARKS (ACT)
The Department of Public Instruction defined ACT Statewide performance categories of Below Basic, Basic, Proficient and Advanced for ELA, mathematics and science.
DPI-DEFINED ADVANCED COURSEWORK
Courses of study that were specifically identified by DPI as advanced other than coursework covered by the Advanced Placement Program (AP), Cooperative Academic Partnership Program (CAPP), and International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Program. The inclusion of DPI-Defined Advanced Coursework in public reporting was discontinued in 2007-08. From 2002-03 until 2007-08, DPI-defined advanced courses included foreign language courses at the third year or higher and DPI-identified advanced level high school courses in science (e.g. 126-312 Chemistry, 2nd year, Advanced), math (e.g. 124-330 Calculus and Analytic Geometry), and computer science (e.g. 180-102 Advanced Computer Science). Prior to 2002-03, lower level foreign language courses were also counted so the number of DPI-defined advanced foreign language courses offered by a district may have decreased in 2002-03.
DROPOUT
A student who (1) either exited during the school term or who exited prior to start of that school term but completed the previous school term and (2) who did not re-enroll by the 3rd Friday of September of the following school term. Exceptions apply. A student was not a dropout for the reported school term if he/she completed high school or met any of the following exclusionary conditions: transfer to another public/private school or state-/district-approved educational program, temporary absence due to suspension/expulsion or sensitive, extenuating cases, or death. Prior to 1998-99, the dropout definition was a student (1) who was not attending school and who should have been, (2) who had not received a diploma or been granted a diploma for completion of a state-/district-approved educational program, and (3) who did not meet any of the following exclusionary conditions: transfer, excused absence, imprisonment, hospitalization, or death. These definitions reflect changes in federal guidance over time. NOTE: In sensitive, extenuating cases where a student is abducted and presumed dead, terminally ill and no longer able to receive education services, or removed to an unknown location by ICE, students may be disenrolled using the Compassion Exit exit type. Additionally, the Compassion Exit exit type may be used for students unable to receive educational services due to mental health or addiction treatment.
DROPOUT RATE
The number of dropouts divided by the total number of students expected to complete the school term. For more details about federal guidance and how available data are used to calculate dropout rates, see About the Data - Dropouts.
DYNAMIC LEARNING MAPS (DLM)

The DLM Assessment is the statewide alternate exam. It replaces the WAA from prior years. The exam is given to students in grades 3 through 11 and currently measures student achievement in two subject areas: English language arts (ELA) and mathematics. For more information, see About the Data - DLM.

E

 
ECON DISADV
Students with an economically disadvantaged status. See "Economically Disadvantaged"
ECONOMIC STATUS
Economically disadvantaged status. An "economically disadvantaged" student is a student who is a member of a household that meets the income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price meals (less than or equal to 185% of Federal Poverty Guidelines) under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP). School districts are permitted to use their best local source of information about the economic status of individual students consistent with the DPI definition. In the absence of reliable student-level NSLP meals eligibility data, districts may consider using available county data, scholarship information, post-secondary options information, etc. Economic status codes must be reported whether or not the district participates in the National School Lunch Program.
ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED
Counted as being "economically disadvantaged" based on membership in a household that meets the income eligibility guidelines for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program (NSLP) or an approved alternative mechanism. Economically disadvantaged students meet requirements for coding as F, R, or A as described on Economically Disadvantaged Data Collection and Reporting. Prior to 2005-06, only students eligible for free or reduced-price meals based on an approved application or direct certification under NSLP were counted as economically disadvantaged (no alternative mechanism).
ELA (English Language Arts)
A subject area that generally includes English, reading, and writing.  For ACT Statewide, the ACT ELA score is calculated by DPI by averaging the English and reading scores and then combining that average with the writing score multiplied by three. The ELA score for ACT is Wisconsin specific. It is not available in other states or nationally, and is not included as part of the ACT Graduates results in WISEdash.
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
A school which generally offers undifferentiated instruction to a self-contained class, usually involving grades no higher than grade 8.
ELEMENTARY / SECONDARY COMBINED SCHOOL
See "Combined Elementary / Secondary School."
ELIGIBLE TO RETURN TO SCHOOL (Expulsion)
Expected to return to school grounds because the expulsion expiration date has passed. For details see Discipline Length.
EL STATUS
Whether or not the student is EL or English Proficient as determined by the school district. EL Status is also known as English Proficiency Status (WINSS). For more detailed information about EL status, see English Language Proficiency Collection and Reporting.
EL (formerly ELL/LEP)
English learner status. Former called English Language Learner (ELL) status and Limited English Proficient (LEP) status. Any student whose first language, or whose parents' or guardians' first language, is not English and whose level of English proficiency requires specially designed instruction, either in English or in the first language or both, in order for the student to fully benefit from classroom instruction and to be successful in attaining the state's high academic standards expected of all students at their grade level. A student is EL when their English Language Proficiency code is between 1 and 5.
EMERGENCY LICENSE
Emergency license means the teacher holds an emergency license based on not yet completing an approved teacher education program in their specific assignment(s).
ENG PROF
See "English Proficient."
ENGLISH LEARNER OR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNER
See "EL."
ENGLISH PROFICIENT
Fully English proficient. This includes students with English language proficiency classifications of 6 (formerly EL) and 7 (never EL). For more information about English language proficiency classifications and other details see English Language Proficiency Collection and Reporting.
ENROLLMENT
Head count of students who receive their primary PK-12 educational services either (1) directly from school district employees or (2) from third parties** under the direct supervision of the school district. If a district is accountable for a student's educational outcomes, then the student is included in the district's enrollment counts, regardless of the location of or schedule for service delivery. Students need not occupy a seat in a school building to be counted. Criteria that apply to counting of students in school districts also apply to non-district charter schools (under s. 118.40(2r) , Wis. Stats.). When enrollment is as of the 3rd Friday of September, students must have either been actively receiving services on that date or be absent but receiving those services before and after that date. The 2nd Friday of January count is based on enrollment during any period of time which includes the count date rather than enrollment gathered as of the specific date. Enrollment in WISEdash may not match membership. For more details, see About the Data-Enrollment.

**Third parties might include technical colleges, community-based organizations, nonprofit-nonsectarian agencies, universities, school to work program providers, Cooperative Educational Service Agencies (CESAs), out-of-state school districts, private schools, residential care centers, Wisconsin Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Wisconsin School for the Deaf, County Children with Disabilities Education Board schools, etc.

ESEA
Elementary and Secondary Education Act, a federal law for education. See Department of Education webpage on ESEA. Modified in 2001 with the No Child Left Behind Act.
ESEA QUALIFIED
Meets definition of highly-qualified as provided in the ESEA. For more information, see ESEA Regulations: Definition of "Highly Qualified" 34 CFR §200.56.
EXCEEDING
"Exceeding" is highest of four readiness categories used in the ACT Aspire. The four performance categories are: Exceeding, Ready, Close and In Need of Support. Exceeding demonstrates in-depth understanding of academic knowledge and skills tested on the Aspire test.
EXIT DATE
Date a student left a school generally due to transfer, high school completion, or discontinuation of schooling. For more information, see School Enrollment / Exit Date.
EXPULSION
A removal from school grounds for purposes of discipline as imposed by the school board for violation of school district rules; threats against school property; or conduct which endangers the property, health, or safety of those at school. Expulsion is a formal school board action pursuant to s. 120.13 (1) and (first-class city school district) s. 119.25. For details, see Discipline Descriptor (Action).
EXTRA-/CO-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

School-sanctioned activities intended to broaden, develop, and enhance a student's school experience in the areas of academics, athletics, and music. Participation is not required and the group or event is not offered for credit or grade. In general, the Wisconsin Uniform Financial Accounting Requirements (WUFAR) describes co-curricular activities as "instructional activities under the guidance and supervision of school staff designed to provide students such experiences as motivation, enjoyment, and improvement of skills. (They) supplement regular instructional activities and include band, chorus, speech and debate, (and) athletics" (see Function 160000).

F

 
FACILITIES
Cost category that includes expenditures for facility acquisitions charged to the General, Special Project, and Capital Expansion (Tax Levy Financed "Sinking") funds, and debt service principal and interest. For details about cost categories, see Comparative Cost per Member.
FALL ENROLLMENT
3rd Friday of September enrollment. See "Enrollment."
FAQ
Frequently-asked questions. In WISEdash, the FAQ webpage.
FAY

Full Academic Year (FAY) is a status applied to students' statewide test results. For spring testing, an FAY student is one who has been continuously enrolled in a school or district from the 3rd Friday of September to the completion of testing, with no enrollment gaps of 30 days or more.

FAY is applied differently depending on the level of data being displayed in WISEdash Public. The statewide results include a student regardless of length of time in their school or district. Results that are filtered at a district level will count students enrolled in their district for a full academic year (FAY), while results filtered at a school level will count only students enrolled in their school for a full academic year.

For years in which statewide tests were administered in the fall (2013-14 and prior), students are considered FAY if they were enrolled in the same school (for school-level FAY) or district (for district-level FAY) in the year they took the test and the year prior. In addition, for years with fall testing, if the lowest grade in a school was the tested grade, a student's district-level FAY status is used for their school-level FAY status.

FEDERAL REVENUE
Revenue category that includes resources from federally-collected sources paid as categorical aid. For details about revenue categories, see Comparative Revenue per Member.
FILTER PANE
In the WISEdash portal, the gray band above the graphs that contains selectors for filtering and grouping of the data displayed in WISEdash.
FIRST FALL (Postsecondary Enrollment)
Category of Initial Postsecondary Enrollment that describes a student's earliest postsecondary enrollment date when that date is between the student's high school completion exit date and the first November 1 following that exit date.
FOOD AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
Cost category that includes expenses for district-operated food and community services. For details about cost categories, see Comparative Cost per Member.
FORWARD
The Forward Assessment is a statewide Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS) standardized exam. The exam was given to students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 and measured student achievement in two subject areas: English language arts (ELA), mathematics, science and social studies. This exam was given starting in school year 2015-16.
FTE
See "Full-Time Equivalency."
FULL LICENSE
Full license means that the teacher holds a regular license based on completing an approved teacher education program in their specific assignment(s).
FULL-TIME EQUIVALENCY (Staff)
The amount of time required to perform assignments stated as a proportion of a full-time position. Calculation for professionals: # of hours the person works in a year divided by # of hours in the district's standard work year for that employee's classification. Calculation for support staff: # of hours the person works divided by 2,080
FULL ACADEMIC YEAR

See "FAY."

G

 
GENDER
Gender can be submitted as Male, Female, or Non-Binary. Non-Binary was added as a reporting option in the 2022-2023 school year. Unknown gender is possible if the data is missing or cannot be matched with existing data.
GRADE GROUP
A selector on the WISEdash application filter pane that lets users select groups of school grades: combined elementary/secondary, elementary, middle, junior high, and high school. Selecting a Grade Group narrows the number of School selections shown in the adjacent filter and makes finding a School in the lists easier to find.
GRADUATE
Any student who received a regular high school diploma. See "Regular High School Diploma."
GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS
See "High School Graduation Standards/Requirements."
GROUP BY

A selector on the WISEdash application filter pane that lets users group the displayed data by a student data attribute. Group By selections may include: gender, race/ethnicity, grade level, EL, economic status, disability status, migrant, etc.

H

 
HABITUAL TRUANT
A student who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse under s.118.16(4) and s.118.15, Wis. Stats., for part or all of 5 or more days on which school is held during a school semester. See definition in s.118.16(1)(a). Prior to the 1998-99 school year, a habitual truant was defined as a student who is absent from school without an acceptable excuse under s.118.16(4) and s.118.15 for part of all of 5 or more days out of 10 consecutive days on which school is held during a semester or part or all of 10 or more days on which school is held during a school semester.
HIGH SCHOOL
A school offering separate classes in different subjects and usually covering grades 9, 10, 11, and 12. See also related definition of senior high school at s. 115.01, Wis. Stats.
HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETER
A student who received any type of high school completion credential, including a Regular Diploma, HSED, or any other credential (e.g. Certificate of Attendance/Completion). Only students who earned a Regular High School Diploma are counted as Graduates. For more details, see Credential Type.
HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION
The act of earning a high school completion credential. See "High School Completion Credential."
HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION CERTIFICATE
Any high school completion credential granted to any student that is neither a regular diploma issued by a school board under §118.33(1)(a), (d), or (g), Stats., nor a high school equivalency diploma issued by the State Superintendent under §115.29 (4)(a), Stats. Examples include certificates of high school attendance or completion. For more details, see Credential Type.
HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION CREDENTIAL
Any credential earned by a student and issued by a school board to recognize the student's completion of high school. See Credential Type.
HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION / NON-COMPLETION RATE
See About the Data - High School Completion for formulas used to calculate high school completion and non-completion rates.
HIGH SCHOOL EQUIVALENCY DIPLOMA (HSED)
Any high school equivalency credential issued by the State Superintendent under §115.29 (4)(a), Stats. For students enrolled in school districts, this typically involves passing the general educational development test with additional requirements in citizenship, health, career awareness and employability skills. Students often access these programs through contracts between school districts and 3rd party providers e.g. technical colleges. Other routes to a high school equivalency diploma are listed in Chapter PI 5, Wis. Adm. Code. For more details, see Credential Type.
HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION STANDARDS/REQUIREMENTS
Minimum requirements for granting high school diplomas. District requirements must meet or exceed Wisconsin standards under s. 118.33, Wis. Stats.. Wisconsin standards include minimum credits in required subjects and encourage districts to require credits in additional subjects.
HIGH SCHOOL NON-COMPLETER
Any student who reached the end of the high school completion timeframe without earning a high school completion credential. Non-completers may be known to be continuing, not known to be continuing, or reached the maximum age. See "Known to be Continuing," "Not Known to be Continuing," and "Students who Reached the Maximum Age."
HIGHEST DEGREE (Staff)
Highest degree of higher learning attained by a staff member regardless of qualifications used on the job. For details see WISEstaff/PI-1202 Data Collection Information. (Click on Data Definitions.)
HOMELESS STATUS
A Group By attribute that groups students into those that have been reported by the school district as having been homeless at some time during the school year and those that have not.
HS
See "High School."
HS COMPLETION / NON-COMPLETION RATE
See "High School Completion/Non-Completion Rate."
HSED

See "High School Equivalency Diploma."

I

 
IN NEED OF SUPPORT
"In Need of Support" is lowest of four readiness categories used in the ACT Aspire. The four performance categories are: Exceeding, Ready, Close and In Need of Support.
INCIDENT
Also called student-incident. An occurrence of a reportable disciplinary offense that resulted in a subsequent disciplinary removal. For reporting purposes, the offense must have resulted in a removal from school. Each student perpetrator involved in each incident is counted in the total incident count.
INCIDENT RATE
The count of all incidents divided by the enrollment on the Third Friday of September (TFS). It is possible for the Incident Rate to be greater than 100% due to students possibly being counted multiple times for multiple incidents.
INCIDENT TYPE
Reason for disciplinary removal of a student. For details and a list of incident types collected, see the Behavior page.
INITIAL POSTSECONDARY ENROLLMENT
Set of three categories that describes a student's earliest postsecondary enrollment date following that student's high school completion exit date. Categories include First Fall, Second Fall, and Later Enrollment. Initial enrollment includes all enrollment records received from the NSC and does not take into consideration the last enrollment status reported for a student. For details about determining the high school completion exit date, or for determining that date when a student earned multiple high school completion credentials in a single school year (rare), see About the Data - Postsecondary Enrollment (under Counting Students and Calculating Percents).
INSTRUCTION
Cost category that includes expenses for undifferentiated, regular, vocational, physical, special, and co-curricular instruction. For details about cost categories, see Comparative Cost per Member.
INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME
The International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme is a challenging two-year curriculum, primarily aimed at students aged 16 to 19. IB Diploma Programme courses lead to a qualification that is recognized by the many universities.. See the official IB website for details.
INTERNET ACCESS IN RESIDENCE
Access to internet on the student’s primary learning device at home, see Internet Access in Residence page.
INTERNET ACCESS TYPE IN RESIDENCE
The primary type of internet service used at the residence, see Internet Access Type in Residence page.
INTERNET PERFORMANCE

Ability of the student to stream a video on their primary learning device without interruption, see Internet Performance page.

J

 
JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

A school between the elementary and high school levels, usually offering at least some separate classes in different subjects and usually covering grades 7, 8, and 9. See also definition at s. 115.01, Wis. Stats.

K

 
K3
Three-year-old kindergarten. Used only in certain schools, such as Milwaukee Public Schools and independent charter schools.
K4
Four-year-old kindergarten. Students at K4 must be four years old on or before September 1 in the year that he or she proposes to enter school. (See Section 118.14, Wis. Stats.).
KG
Kindergarten grade level for 5-year-olds. Unless early admission criteria under s. 120.12(25), Wis. Stats. are met, students at KG (5-year-old kindergarten) must be 5 years old on or before September 1 in the year he or she proposes to enter school. Students at Grade 1 must be 6 years old, on or before September 1 in the year he or she proposes to enter school. (See Section 118.14, Wis. Stats.)
KNOWN TO BE CONTINUING (High School Completion)

Status of a high school non-completer who, as of the end of the given high school completion timeframe, was known to be continuing in high school. Examples include students without exit dates in the rate year or students with confirmed transfers to another WI public school at the beginning of the next school year. Students who completed the school term of the rate year and then transferred to a nonpublic WI school or another state to continue high school are also counted in this total. For 4-year, 5-year, 6-year or 7-year rates, this status is generally based on the student's most recent enrollment record as of the end of 4-year, 5-year, 6-year or 7-year timeframe, respectively. For legacy rates (by age 21), this status does not apply because non-completers are either cohort dropouts or students who have reached the maximum age.

L

 
LANGUAGE ARTS
Language Arts refers to WKCE Language Arts and WAA-SwD Language Arts test sections which were administered to students in grades 4, 8 and 10, separate from the reading test sections. The WKCE and WAA-SwD Language Arts tests were discontinued after the Fall 2013 administration. For the 2014-15 administration, language arts was assessed together with reading as part of the English Language Arts section of the Badger Exam.
LATER ENROLLMENT (Postsecondary Enrollment)
Category of Initial Postsecondary Enrollment that describes a student's earliest postsecondary enrollment date when that date is between the second November 1 following student's high school completion exit date and the latest NSC update.
LEP
Limited English Proficient. See "EL."
LES
Limited English Speaking Student. See "EL."
LEVEL (Postsecondary Enrollment)
Set of categories that describes postsecondary institutions offering educational programs of similar duration. Categories include Less Than 2-Year Institution, 2-Year Institution, and 4-Year Institution. A fourth category, Multiple Levels, is used in counting any postsecondary enrollee who attended institutions at multiple levels. (For any given school year, counts of enrollees by category are unduplicated.)
LICENSED STAFF
One of three categories of school district employees, including teachers, subject coordinators, reading specialists, department heads, teachers in charge, school social workers, guidance counselors, school psychologists, school physical therapists, school occupational therapists, program coordinators, school nurses, school librarians, library media specialists, school audiologists, audiovisual/technology specialists, and speech/language pathologists.
LIMITED ENGLISH PROFICIENT (LEP) STUDENT
English Learner. See "EL."
LOCAL REVENUE
Revenue category that includes resources from either property taxes or other local sources (fees, interest payments, insurance refunds, etc.). For details about revenue categories, see Comparative Revenue per Member.
LOCATION (Postsecondary Enrollment)

Set of categories that describes the state where a postsecondary institution is located. Categories include In-State Institution and Out-of-State Institution. A third category, Multiple Locations, is used in counting any postsecondary enrollee who attended both in-state and out-of-state institutions. (For any given school year, counts of enrollees by category are unduplicated.)

M

 
MAXIMUM AGE
See "Students Who Reached the Maximum Age."
MEMBERSHIP
Average number of resident FTE students on the third Friday of September and 2nd Friday of January (including part-time attendance by home-based or private school students) plus the summer school and foster group home FTE. Membership is similar to enrollment but with additions and subtractions based on a variety of factors as needed for school finance purposes. For membership counting details, see Membership Information and Reporting. For information about collecting counts of students, see WISEdata Enrollment vs. Membership
MIDDLE SCHOOL
A school with a program designed specifically for the early-adolescent learner, usually beginning with grade 5 or 6. See also definition at s. 115.01, Wis. Stats.
MIDDLE / JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL
A school that is either a middle school or a junior high school. These two types of schools are sometimes grouped together because the grade ranges they cover are similar.
MIGRANT STATUS
Whether or not a student is identified as a migrant student. For more detailed information about migrant status, see Migrant Status Data Collection and Reporting. In years prior to 2019-20 and including the Third Friday of September snapshot for 2019-20, this data was submitted directly by districts. In the 2019-20 Year End snapshot and in subsequent years, this data was gathered directly from the statewide migrant vendor.
MINIMAL (performance)

Demonstrates very limited academic knowledge and skills tested on the statewide standardized test. "Minimal Performance" is one of four performance categories used in the WKCE and WAA-SwD exams.

N

 
NATIONAL STUDENT CLEARINGHOUSE (NSC)
Organization that provides educational reporting, verification, and research. See the National Student Clearinghouse website for details.
NO TEST
This code indicates counts of students at grade levels who did not participate in a required statewide WSAS assessment. All students in tested grades are expected to take WSAS assessments except students who are excused by their parents. An extended testing window is provided so that students who are absent on any given day can take make-up tests. Some students are not assessed possibly due to long-term absences or other reasons.
NO WSAS
This code indicates counts of students at grade levels who did not participate in the WKCE or WAA-SwD exam. All students are expected to take WSAS assessments except students who are excused by their parents. An extended testing window is provided so that students who are absent on any given day can take make-up tests. Some students are not assessed possibly due to long-term absences or other reasons.
NON-COMPLETER (High School Completion)
See "High School Non-Completer."
NON-COMPLETION RATE (High School Completion)
See "High School Completion/Non-Completion Rate."
NON-DISTRICT CHARTER SCHOOL
A charter school established by the common council of the city of Milwaukee, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, chancellor of the University of Wisconsin - Parkside, or Milwaukee area technical college district board rather than by a school district. Non-district charter schools are established in accordance with s. 118.40(2r) Wis. Stats. For more information, see Charter Schools in Wisconsin.
NOT CONTINUING (High School Completion)
See "Not Known to be Continuing."
NOT ECON DISADV
See "Not Economically Disadvantaged."
NOT ECONOMICALLY DISADVANTAGED
Counted as being "not economically disadvantaged" based on household income above the income eligibility guidelines for reduced-price meals or the absence of evidence of economically disadvantaged status. Students who are identified as not economically disadvantaged meet requirements for coding as N as described on Economically Disadvantaged Status Data Collection and Reporting.
NOT KNOWN TO BE CONTINUING (High School Completion)
Status of a high school non-completer who, as of the end of the given high school completion timeframe, was not known to be continuing in high school. For 4-year, 5-year, 6-year or 7-year rates, this status is generally based on the student's most recent enrollment record as of the end of the 4-year, 5-year, 6-year or 7-year timeframe respectively. For legacy rates (by age 21), any cohort dropout is counted as not known to be continuing.
NOT PROFICIENT
"Not Proficient" is one of two proficiency levels, and includes the Basic and Below Basic (formerly Minimal Performance) performance categories used in the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS).  Not Proficient does not demonstrate competency in the academic knowledge and skills tested on the statewide standardized test. See also "Proficient".
NSC

See "National Student Clearinghouse."

O

 
OTHER COMPLETION CREDENTIAL (High School Completion)
Certificate of attendance/completion or any other high school completion credential that is neither a regular high school diploma nor an HSED. For more details, see Credential Type.
OUT OF HOME CARE
A student living in out-of-home care means a student who has been placed in a residential setting outside of the student’s home by a county, state, or tribal child welfare agency. This can include shelter care; the home of a relative other than a parent; foster care; a group home; or a residential care center for children and youth. See Educational Stability for Students in Out-of-Home Care for more information. For the purpose of public reporting, DPI receives this student attribute annually from the Department of Children and Families. The Out of Home Care attribute is reported in Forward, ACT Statewide and High School Completion topics.
OUT-OF-SCHOOL SUSPENSION RATE

See SUSPENSIONS, OUT-OF-SCHOOL.

P

 
PARENT IN MILITARY
A Group By attribute that groups students into those that have been reported by the school district as having a parent in the military and those that have not.
PARTICIPATION RATE
Number of students with participation results out of all students eligible.
PERFORMANCE CATEGORY
For the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS), one of four categories: Advanced, Proficient, Basic, Below Basic (formerly Minimal Performance). 
PERMANENT EXPULSION
An expulsion with an expiration date after the expelled student has reached the maximum age. For more details, see "Students who Reached the Maximum Age" and Discipline Length.
PK
Pre-kindergarten. Students in PK have not reached the age for first grade and are not enrolled in K3, K4, or KG, but have an IEP and receive primary educational services from the district. 
PORTAL
A website that organizes many types of information on a general topic into a single source of discovery. Example: WISEdash is a public portal for all Wisconsin education data published by the Department of Public Instruction state agency.
POSSIBLE DAYS OF ATTENDANCE
Total number of days of district-supervised PK-12 educational services offered to a student during a school term. For more details and descriptions of atypical attendance situations, see Attendance Data Collection and Reporting.
POST-EXPULSION SERVICES
Educational services received by an expelled student off school grounds. See also Discipline Descriptor 
A student receiving PK-12 educational services after his/her expulsion expiration date. For details, see Discipline Descriptor.
POSTGRADUATION PLANS
Plans that students scheduled for graduation say they will follow after high school. For details about how plans are reported, see About The Data Postgraduation Plans.
POSTSECONDARY
Of or relating to education after secondary school (high school).
POSTSECONDARY EDUCATION
The provision of a formal instructional program whose curriculum is designed primarily for students who are beyond the compulsory age for high school. This includes programs whose purpose is academic, vocational, and continuing professional education, and excludes avocational and adult basic education programs. For more details, see Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - Glossary. Postsecondary education
POSTSECONDARY INSTITUTION
An education institution which has as its sole purpose or one of its primary missions, the provision of postsecondary education. For more details, see Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System - Glossary.
PRIMARY NIGHTTIME RESIDENCE
The kind of impermanent housing or lack of housing where the homeless student stays at night.
PROFICIENT (performance), PROFICIENCY
"Proficient" is one of four performance categories used in the Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS).  Proficient demonstrates competency in the academic knowledge and skills tested on the statewide standardized tests. In WISEdash, Proficient is also one of two proficiency levels, and includes Advanced and Proficient performance category students.
PROFICIENCY LEVEL
One of two levels: Proficient, Not Proficient. "Proficient" includes both Proficient and Advanced performance categories. "Not Proficient" includes both Basic and Below Basic performance categories.
PUPIL AND STAFF SERVICES

Cost category that includes expenditures for pupil services (such as psychology, social work, and nursing) and staff services (such as curriculum development and inservice training). For details about cost categories, see Comparative Cost per Member.

Q

 

No entries.

R

 
RACE/ETHNICITY
A person's "race/ethnicity" is the racial and/or ethnic group to which the person belongs or with which he or she most identifies. Ethnicity is self-reported as either Hispanic/Not Hispanic. Race is self-reported as any of the following 5 categories: Asian, American Indian or Alaskan Native, Black or African American, Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander, or White. In WISEdash, the data displayed reflects the race/ethnicity that is reported by school districts to DPI. See more at the DPI webpage on Racial and Ethnic Data.
REACHED MAXIMUM AGE
See "Students Who Reached the Maximum Age."
READY
"Ready" is the second highest of four readiness categories used in the ACT Aspire. The four performance categories are: Exceeding, Ready, Close and In Need of Support. Ready demonstrates an acceptable understanding of academic knowledge on the ACT Aspire test.
REDACTION
The process of masking data to protect student privacy with small groups of students. See DPI webpage on Redaction.
REGULAR HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA
Any diploma granted by a school board that meets the requirements of  §118.33 (1) (a), (d), or (g), Stats. A regular high school diploma is defined by federal regulations 34 CFR §200.19(b)(1)(iv). Any student who received a regular high school diploma is counted as a graduate. For more detailed information, see Credential Type.
RESULTS PANE
In the WISEdash portal, the white area of the screen that contains graphs and text boxes displaying the data selected by the user of WISEdash. The Results Pane changes based on the selections made in the Filter Pane.
RETENTION
Determination that a student has not made sufficient progress over the course of the school year to be promoted to a higher grade level or to receive a high school completion credential. In general, if a student's grade level placement at the start of school year X+1 is the same or lower than the student's grade level placement at the start of school year X, then the student is counted as retained as of the end of school year X. For more details, see the Repeat Grade Indicator page, Grade Level Placement Data Collection and Reporting, and Credential Type.
RETENTION RATE
See About the Data - Retention for formulas used to calculate retention rates.
REVENUE PER MEMBER

Revenue divided by Membership. For information about revenue categories, see   Comparative Revenue per Member.

S

 
SCALE SCORE
A scale score is a score on a numeric scale with intervals of equal size. The scale is applied to all students taking the WKCE in a particular subject at a particular grade level, making it possible to compare scores from different groups of students or individuals from year to year. Plotting the mean (or average) scale score for each grade within a school or district for successive years allows relative academic growth to be tracked from one year to the next.
SCHOOL
An administrative unit dedicated to and designed to impart skills and knowledge to students. A school is organized to efficiently deliver sequential instruction from one or more teachers. In most cases, but not always, a school is housed in one or more buildings. Also, multiple schools may be in one building.
SCHOOL TERM
Time commencing with the first school day and ending with the last school day that the schools of a school district are in operation for attendance of pupils in a school year, other than for the operation of summer classes. This definition is based on Wis s. 115.001(12), Stats.
SCHOOL TYPE
See "Grade Group."
SCHOOL YEAR
"School year" means the time commencing with July 1 and ending with the next succeeding June 30. This definition is based on Wis. s. 115.001(13), Stats. See also this Term Descriptor page.
SCHOOL-SPONSORED COMMUNITY ACTIVITIES
See "Community Activities."
SECOND FALL (Postsecondary Enrollment)
Category of Initial Postsecondary Enrollment that describes a student's earliest postsecondary enrollment date when that date is between the first and second November 1 following that student's high school completion exit date. For recent high school completers, if the latest NSC postsecondary enrollment update is before the second November 1, then Second Fall describes initial enrollment dates between the first November 1 and the latest NSC update.
SECONDARY DISABILITY
Secondary disabilities are any additional disability conditions after the primary disability as identified by the student's latest evaluation. A student may have one or more secondary disabilities or may have none. Secondary disability codes are used to get a full count of students with a particular disability.  Complete information on disability reporting is at the disability reporting page. See also “Primary Disability.”
SFJ
Abbreviation for 2nd (Second) Friday in January enrollment count date.
STAFF TO STUDENTS RATIO
The number of FTE staff members (licensed instruction, administration, aides/support/other) divided by the number of students enrolled.
STATE REVENUE
Revenue category that includes resources from state-collected sources, such as income or sales taxes, paid as general or categorical aid. For details about revenue categories, see Comparative Revenue per Member.
STUDENTS EXPECTED TO COMPLETE THE SCHOOL TERM
The sum of students who actually completed the school term plus students who dropped out that school term. This sum may be more or less than the "total enrollment" because "total enrollment" is as of the Fall count date and "students expected to complete the school term" is Fall enrollment adjusted for in and out transfers and summer dropouts. Tracking of in and out transfers and dropouts first became possible in 2004 with the implementation of the Individual Student Enrollment System.
STUDENTS TO STAFF RATIO
The number of students enrolled divided by the number of FTE staff members (licensed instruction, administration, aides/support/other) employed by a district.
STUDENT WITH DISABILITIES
A student with an impairment(s) that requires special education and related services as determined by a current evaluation and a current, active individualized education program (IEP). To be counted as "with disabilities", a student must be IDEA-eligible. Otherwise, a student is counted as "without disabilities". A student with disabilities meets the definition of "child with a disability" in the federal regulations (34 CFR 300.8) under the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA) and s. 115.76(5)(a), Wis. Stats. For more details, see Disability Data Collection and Reporting.
STUDENT WITHOUT DISABILITIES
A student who is not IDEA-eligible or who has no disability. For more details, see Disability Data Collection and Reporting.
STUDENTS WHO COMPLETED THE SCHOOL TERM
Students who finished the school term regardless of whether they were retained or promoted to a higher grade level for the next school term. Generally, students enrolled in a school at the end of the spring semester are counted as completing the school term at that school. "Students who completed the school term" are counted in spring and enrollment is counted in fall so these two counts will not be the same. For more details, see Completed School Term - Data Submission and Reporting.
STUDENTS WHO REACHED THE MAXIMUM AGE
Students who have reached the age after which they are no longer guaranteed the right to a free education. According to Article 10 of the Wisconsin Constitution this right is guaranteed through age 20. Students who turned 21 prior to the beginning of the school term without completing high school are counted as students who reached the maximum age during the school year. For more details, see Max Age Year
STUDENT GROUP
In the WISEdash portal, a student group is a way to filter and visualize data on students by attribute, such as gender, disability status, or race/ethnicity.
SUSPENSION
Also called student-suspension. The disciplinary action resulting in removal from school grounds imposed by the school administration for noncompliance with school district policies or rules; for threatening to destroy school property; or for endangering the property, health, or safety of those at school. Only out-of-school suspensions are reported in WISEdash. For more detailed information, see Discipline Descriptor (Action).
SUSPENSIONS, OUT-OF-SCHOOL
Removal from school grounds imposed by the school administration for noncompliance with school district policies or rules; for threatening to destroy school property; or for endangering the property, health, or safety of those at school. See §120.13(1)(b), Wis. Stats. For details see Discipline Descriptor (Action).
SwD
Students with Disabilities. See "Disability Status"
SwoD

Students without Disabilities. See "Disability Status"

T

 
THIRD (3RD) FRIDAY OF SEPTEMBER ENROLLMENT
See "Enrollment."
TFS
Abbreviation for Third Friday of September enrollment count date.
TIMEFRAME (High School Completion)
Period of time from the start of grade 9 during which a cohort's high school completion outcomes are tracked. For adjusted cohort rates, these time frames are 4, 5, 6 and 7 years. For legacy rates this timeframe ends at age 21. See About the Data - High School Completion for formulas used to calculate rates for each timeframe.
TOTAL DISTRICT COST
The sum of costs attributable to district residents for Total Education Cost and Food and Community Services. Also called Total District Cost. See "Total Education Cost." For details about cost categories, see Comparative Cost per Member.
TOTAL EDUCATION COST
The sum of costs attributable to district residents for Current Education Cost, Transportation, and Facilities. See "Current Education Cost." For details about cost categories, see Comparative Cost per Member.
TOTAL EXPECTED TO COMPLETE HIGH SCHOOL (Legacy High School Completion Rates)
Count of students who were expected to complete high school by any given year whether or not the students actually did. All students who enter high school grades are expected to complete high school. Total expected to complete high school is the denominator used to calculate legacy high school completion rates. The count of expected completers is the sum of actual high school completers, cohort dropouts, and non-completers who reached the maximum age.
TOTAL EXPERIENCE (Staff)
The number of years a staff member has been employed by any education agency, public or private. Total experience is based on years of experience in education. This may overlap different positions. For details see WISEstaff/PI-1202 Data Collection Information. (Click on Data Definitions.)
TRANSPORTATION
Total cost for student transportation. For details about cost categories, see Comparative Cost per Member.
TWO OR MORE
Indicates that a student identifies with two or more races and is not Hispanic/Latino. See "Race/Ethnicity."
TYPE (Postsecondary Enrollment)

Set of categories that describes postsecondary institutions with similar funding sources. Categories include Public Institution and Private Institution. A third category, Multiple Types, is used in counting any postsecondary enrollee who attended institutions of multiple types. (For any given school year, counts of enrollees by category are unduplicated.)

U

 
UNACCOMPANIED HOMELESS YOUTH
An indicator of whether or not homeless children or youth are in physical custody of a parent or guardian.
UNKNOWN (UNK)

In WISEdash, a category of students in a count that did not have complete information known at the time of data retrieval so could not be matched with a particular data point. Most commonly, UNKNOWN students appear when a student's attribute is missing from the Certified data file.

V

 

No entries.

W

 
WAA-ELL
See "Wisconsin Alternate Assessment for English Language Learners"
WAA-SwD
See "Wisconsin Alternate Assessment for Students with Disabilities"
WISCONSIN ALTERNATE ASSESSMENT FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE LEARNERS (WINSS)
Wisconsin Alternate Assessment for English Language Learners (WAA-ELL) was a standards-based alternative to the WKCE at grades 3-8 and 10. The WAA-ELL was given to English Learner (EL) students whose academic English skills were not yet sufficient to take the WKCE test in the subject area with allowable language accommodations. The WAA-ELL was last administered in November 2005 to students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 in reading and mathematics, and grades 4, 8 and 10 in science, language arts, and social studies.
WISCONSIN ALTERNATE ASSESSMENT FOR STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES
The Wisconsin Alternate Assessment for Students with Disabilities (WAA-SwD) was administered to any student with significant cognitive disabilities when the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team determines that the student was unable to participate in the Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination (WKCE), even with accommodations.  Beginning with the 2014-15 school year, reading, mathematics and language arts are no longer tested using the WKCE/WAA .  The WKCE and WAA is only being administered in grades 4, 8, and 10 and only for science and social studies.
WISCONSIN KNOWLEDGE AND CONCEPTS EXAMINATION (WKCE)
The WKCE was a statewide standardized exam that was last administered in the fall of 2014-15.  Through 2013-14 the exam was given each year to students in grades 3 through 8 and 10 and measured student achievement in five subject areas: reading, language arts, mathematics, science, and social studies. Students also provided a rough draft writing sample.  For the 2014-15 school year, reading, mathematics and language arts were not tested using the WKCE/WAA, and the tests were only administered in grades 4, 8, and 10 and only for science and social studies.
WISCONSIN STUDENT ASSESSMENT SYSTEM
The Wisconsin Student Assessment System (WSAS) is a comprehensive statewide program designed to provide information about what students know in core academic areas and whether they can apply what they know. Beginning in 2014-15, the program included ACT Aspire, ACT Statewide, Badger Exam, Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM), WAA-SWD and WKCE.  For more information visit the OSA Assessment page.  
WISEdash
WISEdash Wisconsin Information System for Education (WISE) Data Dashboard is an official public reporting portal from the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction (DPI). WISEdash is located at http://wisedash.dpi.wi.gov. WISEdash uses "dashboards," or visual collections of graphs and tables, to provide multi-year educational data about Wisconsin schools. WISEdash can be used by anyone to view educational data published by DPI. See also "Portal."
WISEdash for Districts
WISEdash for Districts is a secured portal using the same data sources as the public WISEdash portal, but it is available only to authenticated school and district staff and populated only with their school and/or district data.
WKCE
See "Wisconsin Knowledge and Concepts Examination."
WMAS
Wisconsin Model Academic Standards. See DPI webpage for Academic Standards.
WSAS

See "Wisconsin Student Assessment System"

X

 

No entries.

Y

 
YEARS TO HIGH SCHOOL COMPLETION

For a student who earned his/her completion credential in a given school year, the number of years it took that student to earn the credential. Years are counted from initial year of enrollment where the student ended the school year in grade 9. For students initially enrolled after grade 9, this is the number of years since the student's assigned cohort year was created. The first cohort year, the "2010 cohort" was created in 2006-07. Years to high school completion are unknown for students initially enrolled in high school before 2006-07 because required data are unavailable.

Z

 
No entries.