Course Code Data Collection and Reporting

2010-11 and Beyond

A unique identifier assigned to a course. Course code consists of three parts, a Subject Area, a Course Identifier within that Subject Area, and the Course Level. This is a 6 character alphanumeric field. The course code will utilize the NCES standards where applicable. The first two numeric characters reflect the subject area, the middle three numeric characters reflect the specific course identifier, and the last alpha character reflects the course level.

WI DPI Secondary School Course Codes:

There are 22 general content categories, each represent by a two-digit code. Courses within a Subject Area are distinguished by a three-digit code. The codes carry no meaning within themselves. As with all entries in the NCES Handbook series, “999” is reserved for courses coded as “other.” The course descriptions are fairly general. They provide enough specificity to identify the course’s topic and to distinguish it from other courses in that Subject Area. However, the course descriptions do not include course objectives. The Course Level conveys the course’s level of rigor. There are four options for coding this elements course level. B for basic or remedial, G for general or regular, E for enriched or advanced, and H for honors.

NCES Elementary School Course Codes:

There are 23 general content categories, each represent by a two-digit code. Courses within a Subject Area are distinguished by a three-digit code. The codes carry no meaning within themselves. As with all entries in the NCES Handbook series, “999” is reserved for courses coded as “other.” The course descriptions are fairly general. They provide enough specificity to identify the course’s topic and to distinguish it from other courses in that Subject Area. However, the course descriptions do not include course objectives. The Course Level conveys the course’s level of rigor. There are five options for coding this elements course level. B for basic or remedial, G for general or regular, X for no specific level of rigor, E for enriched or advanced, and H for honors.

We encourage a review of the course content by the faculty to determine the most appropriate match. Beyond that please forward course specific questions to our DPI consultants.

Code	Description/Comments
	Refer to: WI DPI Course Codes for complete list of valid course codes.
	Refer to: NCES Elementary Course Codes for complete list of valid course codes.
	Refer to: Matrix for CWCS Course Code Rigor Levels 1st Page Secondary School and 2nd Page Elementary School (includes early childhood through elementary)

USES: In order to meet the requirements of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and address existing gaps in the state LDS data sets, the Department of Public Instruction (DPI) will build a new student level data collection and begin accumulating new data the first quarter of 2011 and beyond. The main objectives of this effort will be to address 2 key components referenced in ARRA and specified in the America COMPETES Act, the ability to match teachers with students and capture student-level transcript information, including courses completed. The School Performance Report (SPR) was created in 1991 with the passage of s.115.38 WI Statutes which includes reporting of courses offered and student participation.

Last updated on 11/7/2011 3:14:24 PM