The representation of school dropout data in Lettera a una professoressa. Critical reading of extracts and scoping review

Abstract

The graphic representation of data is both a communicative activity and a tool for analysing and studying a phenomenon. It becomes a key-element with regard to complex educational phenomena, such as school dropout, as it affects the comprehensibility of them and the effectiveness of the subsequent interventions. This contribution aims to examine the role of data representation in Lettera una professoressa and proposes a two-stage process: critical reading of significant extracts and a scoping review of the available literature. This way reveals insights that are particularly pertinent to the current context - such as the reflection on school dropout indicators and the need to educate 'statistical competence' – and that are presented by authors to experts for further investigation.