Implement, Improve and Expand Your Statewide Longitudinal Data System: Creating a Culture of Data in Education

Preface

We set out to write this book with the intention of helping states maximize their statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDSs) and create an enduring culture of data in schools. It is our hope that this book will help in furthering the discussion for states still considering an SLDS and will help states that have implemented a first-generation SLDS think about how to improve and expand their systems to deliver on the promise of longitudinal data.

This book covers most of the steps necessary to implement or improve your SLDS, outlining areas for growth and expansion. We've found that about 80 percent of the work of implementing an SLDS lies in simply reaching agreement of what the SLDS is: what data it will contain, what questions it needs to answer, and how that data will be accessed and shared by the various stakeholders in the education and workforce sectors. Once states work out the data governance of the system and use, implementation is fairly simple.

The resource that can be created from years and years of data is immense. Think about when you watch a documentary on Netflix about the Titanic. After you watch it and tell Netflix you enjoyed it, Netflix can recommend several documentaries that other users like you enjoyed, based on your rating and viewing history. The more data the recommendation engine has, the better it is at recommending what you’ll enjoy next. Now, imagine you’re an elementary student with ADHD and your teachers have tried several interventions ...