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Poverty in the U.S.: Search Tips

Search Tips

Searching for education-related information is always a test in patience, skill, and evaluation.  Remember to use basic evaluation skills when reading over your search results:

  •     Where did this information originate? 
  •     Is this a credible website? 
  •     Is this website appropriate for my research needs?" 

Other things to consider when searching for state/county/school district data:

  • Use words or phrases that may be used by that state or region.   For instance,  Pennsylvania has school districts and Indiana has school corporations
  • Are you needing Data?  Statistics?  Demographics?   (Each of those terms can be used and get different results)

What search terms will give you what you are looking for without getting results you do not need?

cohort -- "a group of persons sharing a particular statistical or demographic characteristic

dashboard --  "web page or portal that provides links to key information and useful tools on a website"

demographics --  "the statistical data of a population, especially those showing average age, income, education, etc."

vital statistics -- "statistics concerning human life or the conditions affecting human life and the maintenance of population"  (examples:  birth, death, marriage, divorce)


definitions derived from dictionary.com