Descriptors have been provided a non-normative classification to help provide adopters with useful info on how different descriptors are typically treated in data exchanges based.
There are four non-normative classifications: Standard, Orthodox, Flexible, and Local.
Classification | Definition | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | The community usage is generally highly standardized (but not perfectly standardized), sometimes due to strong standards like EDFacts reporting. There is reason to believe that with sufficient governance a set of values that can work for a large majority of use cases is possible. | SchoolFoodServiceProgramService |
| Orthodox | The community is mostly standardized, but exceptions and localization are not infrequent. Ed-Fi's sample descriptor values will include a list that mirrors the standardization seen in the community. | GradeLevel |
| Flexible | The community is somewhat standardized, or there is one or more common, broadly-adopted vernacular classifications around the concept. Local usage may be completely at odds with the vernacular, and that is to be expected in some cases. Ed-Fi's sample descriptor values will generally include a "starter" set of values that mirror the most common vernacular. | InternetAccess |
| Local | The option set values are highly localized in nearly all cases. Ed-Fi's sample values will generally only illustrate possible values, or not provide any Ed-Fi defined values at all. | GradingPeriod |