Exploring Maps in Advanced Analytics

Benjamin Norris

CNYRIC

Purpose

​

​

• The purpose of this presentation is to show a brief tutorial of how Mindex’s Advanced Analytics™ can be used to make maps of educational data.

​

• In addition, this presentation will consider how these maps could be used to support NYSED’s Regionalization initiative.

With Gratitude

​

​

• Thank you to EduTech for creating the PSNT Publicly Accessible Data Dashboard for RIC One.

​

• The School District Fiscal Profiles were the inspiration for the dashboard that I will be presenting today.

Advanced Analytics™

​

​

• Using AWS’s QuickSight, Advanced Analytics™ has the ability to create dashboards using data contained within SchoolTool, as well as the ability to connect to third-party data and .csv files.

​

• Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology can be incorporated to help users create dashboards.

Without Further Ado

What You Need To Make This Layer Map

• School District Shapefile in GeoJSON format (NYS GIS Clearinghouse)
• Tip: Download an Excel version of this file so that you can see what fields are in the GeoJSON file

​

• School District Fiscal Profiles (aka “masterfile”)
• This file of ST-3 data goes all the way back to 1993-94, so filtering during the import process will help with processing time.
• Delete Column BK – it’s just a blank column with an unnecessary X in cell BK2.

​

• An Excel version of School Districts & BOCES: Active School Districts listed within each BOCES with CEO Info from SEDREF (for BOCES information and more formal school district names)

What You Need To Make This Layer Map

• In your SEDREF Excel file, you will need to use the TRIM function to only include the first six digits of the SED Code (to match DISTRICT in the masterfile).

​

• Then using your masterfile, you can merge in the BOCES name and Popular Name for the school districts from the SEDREF file (using either VLOOKUP or INDEX MATCH).

Tips

• Add filters before publishing the dataset. Make sure to also change DISTRICT to “string” so that the leading zeroes do not drop off. Exclude fields that can cause data import errors.

Tips

• When using AI to create a calculated field, knowing your variable names will help with formula creation.

​

Tips

• “Shape file key field” is the linking variable from the School District shapefile.
• “Dataset key field” is the linking variable from the masterfile.
• “Color” is going to be the variable you want to map. Clicking the 3 vertical dots will change the calculation method.

​

Tips

• In “Layer properties,” under “Interactions” in the “Tooltip” section, you can hide the District field code and click “Add Field” to add in the District name. You can then move the location of the District name by clicking the 3 vertical dots.

​

Tips

• Clicking on the map, and then the “Properties” icon will let you edit the title and legend.

​

Tips

• Add filters (like BOCES and school year) by clicking the icon. Add the filters as controls at the top of the sheet.

​

Regionalization

​

​

• Since the School District shapefile contains the six-digit SDL Code, Institution ID, as well as BEDS Code, there are numerous datasets that can be mapped to make regional comparisons.

​

• The ability to see data on a map can help promote collaboration with other school districts based on a similar need.

Thank You!