Evidence vs. Opinion Evidence Opinion Observable and specific Objective Free of value judgment Unambiguous Draws conclusions or includes inferences Subjective May include value judgment May be subject to debate Adapted from Shannon Johnson S.T.A.T. Teacher, Arbutus Middle School

Evidence or Opinion? Specific? Objective? Judgment-Free? Too much time spent on math drill 4 students got restless and asked to use bathroom. 37 minutes spent on math drill Specific? Objective? Judgment-Free? Teacher ignored ELL students in the room. 9 of 20 students were clueless. Too many low level questions Several students ignored the directions. More boys than girls were called on. Teacher refused to allow students to leave room.

Step 3: Looking for patterns 1x = event 2x = coincidence 3x = pattern