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Purpose Drives Design: Functions of a Statewide Longitudinal Data System

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Purpose Drives Design: Functions of a Statewide Longitudinal Data System
Language: English
Authors: Data Quality Campaign (DQC)
Source: Data Quality Campaign. 2026.
Availability: Data Quality Campaign. 1250 H Street NW Suite 825, Washington, DC 20005. Tel: 202-393-4372; Fax: 202-393-3930; e-mail: info@dataqualitycampaign.org; Web site: http://www.dataqualitycampaign.org
Peer Reviewed: N
Page Count: 6
Publication Date: 2026
Intended Audience: Policymakers
Document Type: Reports - Descriptive
Descriptors: State Programs, State Policy, Information Systems, Longitudinal Studies, Governance, Program Design, Access to Information, Learning Analytics, Program Evaluation, Research Reports, Data Analysis, Data Use, Data Collection, Information Storage, Sustainability
Geographic Terms: Kentucky, Maryland, California
Abstract: Statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDSs) have enormous potential to be used to improve education and workforce outcomes, but not every system is designed to work in the same way. Even two "good" SLDSs may not look the same because they can be designed with different goals, or functions, in mind: public reports and dashboards, research and analytics, and support for individuals. All three functions are essential and address different people's data access needs. Each function requires different considerations for infrastructure, data governance, legal frameworks, and ongoing investments. This brief explores how policymakers can purposefully shape the design of their state's SLDS to effectively support any or all of the three functions. When a system's function is aligned with the intended users, required infrastructure, appropriate governance structure, and intended data uses, the system can effectively enable access to data that people need to make education and workforce decisions.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 20260101
Accession Number: ED682265
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:Statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDSs) have enormous potential to be used to improve education and workforce outcomes, but not every system is designed to work in the same way. Even two "good" SLDSs may not look the same because they can be designed with different goals, or functions, in mind: public reports and dashboards, research and analytics, and support for individuals. All three functions are essential and address different people's data access needs. Each function requires different considerations for infrastructure, data governance, legal frameworks, and ongoing investments. This brief explores how policymakers can purposefully shape the design of their state's SLDS to effectively support any or all of the three functions. When a system's function is aligned with the intended users, required infrastructure, appropriate governance structure, and intended data uses, the system can effectively enable access to data that people need to make education and workforce decisions.