Method policy

How Skolkoll documents calculation methods, handles changes and works with transparency.

Documentation principles

All calculations are documented in metric-definitions.json — a machine-readable data catalogue with 80+ metrics.
Each metric has: name, unit, range, data source and calculation method.
Definitions follow Skolverket's and SCB's official definitions by default.
Deviations from official definitions are explicitly marked in the variable dictionary.

See the variable dictionary for a complete listing.

When a calculation method changes or a new data source is added, we follow these steps:

Identification — A new data source, changed calculation logic or correction to an existing method is identified.
Documentation — metric-definitions.json is updated with new or changed definitions.
Communication — An entry is added to the changelog describing what changed and why.
Verification — Results are compared with the previous version for a reasonableness check. Large deviations are investigated before publication.
Publication — Deployment includes updated documentation and data simultaneously.

Methodology changes are published in the changelog before or at the same time as new data is published.
Backwards-incompatible changes are announced at least one version in advance.
Calculation methods and data sources are documented openly on the method page.

Current state: Skolkoll is a one-person project. Methods and calculations are reviewed internally.
Goal: External review by statisticians or researchers with relevant expertise.
Next steps: We welcome reviewers — contact us at info@skolkoll.se or via the support page.

Skolkoll is not an official statistics producer — we compile and make public data more accessible.
Data may differ from Skolverket's publications due to timing or aggregation level.
Model calculations (e.g. SALSA) follow the published methodology but may have implementation differences.
Comparisons between schools should always consider data quality and socioeconomic factors.