The State Education Department requires local school districts to keep these records on all students: age, race or ethnicity, days absent, current grade level, standardized test scores in reading and mathematics, and any disabilities or special educational needs the student may have. Which of the following are categorical (or qualitative) variables in these records? Reading Test Score Disabilities or Special Needs Student Name Race or Ethnicity current Grade Level Mathematics Test Score Days Absent age

When it comes to categorical variables, we're looking at the qualities or characteristics that describe a group rather than give numerical values. In this case, "Disabilities or Special Needs," "Student Name," "Race or Ethnicity," and "Current Grade Level" are all categorical variables. They provide qualitative data that help categorize students into different groups without a mathematical aspect. On the flip side, you want to avoid confusing these with continuous variables, which can take on any value within a range. For instance, "Reading Test Score," "Mathematics Test Score," "Days Absent," and "Age" are all numerical and would not fit into the categorical category. Remember, categorizing data correctly helps in better analysis and understanding of student demographics and performance!