Supporting Equity and Educational Stability for Foster Care Students Using Virginia’s Cross-Sector Longitudinal Data Tools

• In Event: Leveraging Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDSs) to Conduct Equity-Focused Research

Abstract

The Virginia Longitudinal Data System (VLDS) is a cross-sector, federated data system that has been providing de-identified longitudinal student data to researchers for the past decade to improve educational outcomes for students in the Commonwealth. VLDS’s research agenda reflects a shared commitment among state partner agencies to prioritize the critical exploration of equity in Virginia’s state policy and service delivery models. The focus of this VLDS equity report on educational stability is two-fold: 1) an equity-focused research agenda using data that is reflective of policy-relevant and equity-focused research questions and (2) an educational record exchange platform which together supports and maintains the educational stability for children and youth in foster care. To create the research agenda, VLDS partner agencies built intentional relationships with a diverse group of stakeholders, actively listened as teams of experts defined the philosophy of equity-centered research and engaged in rich discussions to prioritize policy-relevant research questions. To develop the educational exchange platform to support foster care students’ educational stability, VLDS researchers created longitudinal data tools for efficient foster care placement. Throughout the cycle of changing school placements, longitudinal educational records are often unavailable, delayed, or incomplete. Individuals must often rely on information from informal sources, including the student, to make decisions about the appropriate grade level, courses, and supports needed. Therefore, relying on incomplete information risks additional placement changes and further educational instability. We will share project outcomes, lessons learned and policy implications.

Author

• Antionette D. Stroter, Liberty University