What is Disaggregated Data? A Look into How Data Can Drive Equity and Informed Decisions in Schools
At Partners in School Innovation, our coaches draw on decades of experience helping schools use data in ways that create lasting change. We work hand-in-hand with school and district leaders to uncover and act on insights that address their specific challenges.
With the right data, educators can spot trends, track progress, and focus support where it’s most needed, driving decisions that make a real difference in student outcomes and strengthen educational equity.
What is Disaggregated Data and Why Is It a Powerful Tool For Educators?
One of the most impactful tools we advocate for is disaggregated data. Unlike general data that provides overall averages, disaggregated data breaks down information by specific characteristics like race, language proficiency, gender, and socioeconomic status. This deeper perspective reveals hidden inequities and sheds light on the experiences of vulnerable populations that might otherwise go unseen.
Our experience shows that disaggregated data allows educators to better understand where to focus efforts for the greatest impact. This approach not only provides a roadmap for data-driven progress but also strengthens accountability in building inclusive, supportive learning environments for every student.
In this article, we’ll explore the benefits of implementing disaggregated data practices in schools and share how we applied this approach at a high level within our work with the East Side Alliance (ESA) transformation network.
Over four years, this initiative—facilitated by Partners in School Innovation (PSI) coaches—engaged educators from nine schools across four districts. With a focus on supporting Latinx students, language learners, and socioeconomically disadvantaged students, ESA demonstrated how targeted data analysis empowers schools to address inequities and foster sustainable academic success.
A graphic highlighting three benefits of implementing data analysis for equity-focused improvements in schools. The benefits outlined are 1. Reveals disparities 2. Empowers data-informed decisions and 3. Enhances accountability and transparency.
Using Disaggregated Data in Education – An Example From The ESA Network
Our partnership with the ESA Network illustrates the transformative role disaggregated data can play. Over four years, PSI coaches worked closely with educators to analyze and act on student data, building the skills and insights needed to sustain student success well beyond the program’s duration.
A critical goal for one school participating in the network was ensuring that 90% of their students earned a GPA of 2.0 or higher.
To reach this goal, we helped that school team carve out time for a structured data review focused on a key question: “Where are we schoolwide after Quarter 1?”
Here’s a high-level look at how we supported this team in using disaggregated data analysis to answer this question:
Steps for Leading Disaggregated Data Analysis in Schools
| Steps | In Practice |
|---|---|
| 1. Set Dedicated Time For Data Review Carve out dedicated time for the team to review the data together. |
We prioritized at least 45 minutes to review data, reflect, and identify adjustments and next steps. |
| 2. Develop a Student-Centered Mindset Focus the team on recognizing the strengths and potential that diverse students bring to the classroom. |
We kept students at the heart of the conversation by starting analysis meetings with stories of student success or celebration. |
| 3. Craft Core Questions Craft core questions linked to your team’s goals to guide data analysis. |
With the goal of achieving 90% of students maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher, we asked, “Where are we school-wide after Quarter 1?” |
| 4. Gather Data Gather the student data needed, including key demographic variables. |
We collected data that showed the number of students in each grade with a GPA above and below 2.0, broken down by gender and ethnicity. |
| 5. Embed Equity Into Analysis Use a data analysis protocol that embeds equity and moves the team towards action. |
During our analysis we asked probing questions like “What might be behind the data?”and “Is there more we need to know?" |
A downloadable graphic outlining a practical framework for using disaggregated data in school settings, with real world applications outlined.
The school team began by pinpointing the number and percentage of 7th and 8th-grade students with GPAs below 2.0, breaking it down further into two groups: those with GPAs between 2.0 and 1.5 and those below 1.5. This breakdown helped them focus support on students with both larger and smaller achievement gaps.
This trend table shows data for two student groups in 7th and 8th grade, detailing the percentage of students in each group with a GPA below 2.0.
In reviewing the data, the team saw that 87% of students were meeting the goal of a GPA of 2.0 or higher. With our coaches, they then examined the factors impacting students who hadn’t yet met this threshold.
The team asked, “What might be behind this data?” and noticed certain patterns: students with lower GPAs often had attendance issues, behavioral challenges, or frequent office visits. Some of these students had also struggled academically the previous year and others were flagged as high-need by the counseling team. These findings highlighted a need for more targeted support for students facing multiple challenges.
Digging even deeper, the team explored data by ethnicity and gender, revealing that approximately 77% of students with GPAs below a C were Hispanic, with the majority being Hispanic boys.
Reflecting on Insights and Taking Action
Armed with these insights, the team was able to take focused actions to support students most in need and put a plan in place to strengthen their engagement with Hispanic students. ESA’s experience shows how disaggregated data can bring to light trends that might otherwise go unnoticed, guiding schools to make the most meaningful interventions.
This collaboration with ESA highlights the power of data-driven insights for school leaders, helping them prioritize resources and direct support where it can make the biggest difference. For schools and districts committed to equity-focused progress, disaggregated data offers an essential tool for ensuring that every effort directly benefits the students who need it most.
Partner with Us to Leverage Data for Meaningful Change in Your School
If you're ready to use data to create impactful change at your school, our team at Partners in School Innovation is here to guide you every step of the way. We’ll support you in gathering data, identifying key insights, and building a strategic action plan that leads to equitable improvements for your students and school community. Reach out today to get support with your school’s data-driven strategies.
