State Data Capacity: A Current Look at Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems Across the United States

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session 8
  In Roundtable Session: Leveraging Evidence Use to Address Systemic Inequities

Abstract

This study uses the most recent data from the U.S. Department of Education’s Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) survey to examine the capacity of states and territories to store, link, and use data across the preschool to workforce continuum. This study examines two primary research questions: 1) What K-12 data elements are included in SLDSs? How has this changed over time? 2) What is the capacity for linking other sector data with K-12 student data, and how are they linked? How has this changed over time? These findings provide an important analytical perspective and will inform researchers, policymakers, practitioners, and other stakeholders on state data capacity across the U.S.

Authors

• Sarah Meholick, Applied Engineering Management Corporation

• Anna Mark, Applied Engineering Management Corporation

• Kristen Noel King, US Department of Education