WGU D179: Data-Informed Practices Exam 2026
1. What is the primary goal of data-informed practices in an educational
setting?
A. To rank schools based on performance metrics
B. To improve student learning outcomes and instructional effectiveness
C. To reduce the amount of time spent on teacher evaluations
D. To increase the difficulty of standardized testing
Answer: B
Rationale: Data-informed practices focus on using collected data to make strategic
decisions that enhance student learning and teaching methods.
2. Which type of data focuses on numerical values and statistical analysis?
A. Qualitative data
B. Anecdotal data
C. Quantitative data
D. Subjective data
Answer: C
Rationale: Quantitative data is characterized by numbers and metrics that can be analyzed
statistically, such as test scores or attendance rates.
,3. A teacher uses a quick exit ticket at the end of a lesson to check for
understanding. This is an example of:
A. Summative assessment
B. Diagnostic assessment
C. Formative assessment
D. Norm-referenced assessment
Answer: C
Rationale: Formative assessments are used during the instructional process to provide
immediate feedback and adjust teaching.
4. In the MTSS framework, what percentage of students should typically
respond to Tier 1 (Universal) instruction?
A. 80-90%
B. 100%
C. 50-60%
D. 10-15%
Answer: A
Rationale: Tier 1 represents universal high-quality instruction that should meet the needs
of approximately 80-90% of students.
5. What does the term ‘disaggregating data’ mean in education?
A. Breaking down data into subgroups to identify achievement gaps
B. Combining all student scores into a single average
C. Deleting outliers from a data set to improve the mean
D. Converting qualitative notes into numerical scores
Answer: A
Rationale: Disaggregation involves looking at data by specific groups (e.g., ethnicity, SES,
English learners) to ensure equity and identify specific needs.
, 6. Which assessment is conducted before instruction to identify students’ prior
knowledge and skills?
A. Diagnostic
B. Benchmark
C. Summative
D. Progress Monitoring
Answer: A
Rationale: Diagnostic assessments are used at the beginning of a unit or term to gauge
what students already know.
7. Qualitative data would most likely be found in which of the following?
A. Student interview transcripts
B. Multiple-choice test results
C. State-wide proficiency rankings
D. Attendance percentages
Answer: A
Rationale: Qualitative data is descriptive and non-numerical, such as observations,
interviews, or open-ended survey responses.
8. What is the main purpose of an RTI (Response to Intervention) Tier 2
intervention?
A. Intensive, one-on-one specialized instruction
B. General education curriculum provided to all students
C. Small group, targeted support for students not meeting benchmarks
D. Referral for special education evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale: Tier 2 provides targeted, small-group support for students who need more help
than what Tier 1 provides.
1. What is the primary goal of data-informed practices in an educational
setting?
A. To rank schools based on performance metrics
B. To improve student learning outcomes and instructional effectiveness
C. To reduce the amount of time spent on teacher evaluations
D. To increase the difficulty of standardized testing
Answer: B
Rationale: Data-informed practices focus on using collected data to make strategic
decisions that enhance student learning and teaching methods.
2. Which type of data focuses on numerical values and statistical analysis?
A. Qualitative data
B. Anecdotal data
C. Quantitative data
D. Subjective data
Answer: C
Rationale: Quantitative data is characterized by numbers and metrics that can be analyzed
statistically, such as test scores or attendance rates.
,3. A teacher uses a quick exit ticket at the end of a lesson to check for
understanding. This is an example of:
A. Summative assessment
B. Diagnostic assessment
C. Formative assessment
D. Norm-referenced assessment
Answer: C
Rationale: Formative assessments are used during the instructional process to provide
immediate feedback and adjust teaching.
4. In the MTSS framework, what percentage of students should typically
respond to Tier 1 (Universal) instruction?
A. 80-90%
B. 100%
C. 50-60%
D. 10-15%
Answer: A
Rationale: Tier 1 represents universal high-quality instruction that should meet the needs
of approximately 80-90% of students.
5. What does the term ‘disaggregating data’ mean in education?
A. Breaking down data into subgroups to identify achievement gaps
B. Combining all student scores into a single average
C. Deleting outliers from a data set to improve the mean
D. Converting qualitative notes into numerical scores
Answer: A
Rationale: Disaggregation involves looking at data by specific groups (e.g., ethnicity, SES,
English learners) to ensure equity and identify specific needs.
, 6. Which assessment is conducted before instruction to identify students’ prior
knowledge and skills?
A. Diagnostic
B. Benchmark
C. Summative
D. Progress Monitoring
Answer: A
Rationale: Diagnostic assessments are used at the beginning of a unit or term to gauge
what students already know.
7. Qualitative data would most likely be found in which of the following?
A. Student interview transcripts
B. Multiple-choice test results
C. State-wide proficiency rankings
D. Attendance percentages
Answer: A
Rationale: Qualitative data is descriptive and non-numerical, such as observations,
interviews, or open-ended survey responses.
8. What is the main purpose of an RTI (Response to Intervention) Tier 2
intervention?
A. Intensive, one-on-one specialized instruction
B. General education curriculum provided to all students
C. Small group, targeted support for students not meeting benchmarks
D. Referral for special education evaluation
Answer: C
Rationale: Tier 2 provides targeted, small-group support for students who need more help
than what Tier 1 provides.