DQC’s federal advocacy reflects what we learn about the priority needs of states. We meet with agency and legislative staff to educate them and offer recommendations for federal actions that can promote, support, and incentivize improvements to state data ecosystems. This topic guide is a collection of those resources.
Resources
Federal Laws Are Not a Barrier to Connecting Data within a Statewide Longitudinal Data System: This resource discusses common myths about integrating data within an SLDS for ongoing uses.
Workforce Data Reforms: Coalition Priorities (2023): This resource outlines the priorities of DQC and partners to improve the existing federal workforce data ecosystem with better data quality and integrate intergovernmental data to improve individuals’ abilities to navigate their workforce development and employment options
Federal Leaders Can Support Improved Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems: This resource explores steps that federal leaders can take to support the creation and development of statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDSs).
The Federal Role in Safeguarding Student Data: This resource outlines steps federal leaders can take to protect personal data as SLDSs offer better data access to students and families.
States Need Clarity, Resources to Scale Access and Maximize Investments in Data: The examples provided in this resource demonstrate the kinds of supports that are possible when states have clarity about the parameters and rules for linking education, labor, workforce, and other data securely.
Federal Funding for Education Data (2022): This resource identifies FY2022 funding streams that could be leveraged to support state data systems or related data activities.
Letters and Recommendations
E-Rate Program Support Sign-On: This letter, cosigned by DQC, was sent to the FCC in support of the E-Rate program to provide wireless internet services to students and educators for off-premises use.
AREA Act Support and Additional Feedback: On December 11, 2023 this letter was sent to the Senate HELP Committee in support of the Advancing Research in Education Act.
A Stronger Workforce for America Act support letter: On December 11, 2023 this letter was sent to the House Education & the Workforce Committee in support of the workforce data provisions within H.R.6655.
Request for Information Regarding Confidential Unemployment Compensation (UC) Information: On September 25, 2023, this letter was sent to the US Department of Labor in response to a Request for Information about the role that federal UC information should play in helping to further improve opportunities for learners and workers.
Better P–20W Data Will Require More Advanced Workforce Data Systems: This resource outlines the value of effective workforce data and the challenges that policymakers face in making those improvements, and provides recommendations for making better workforce data a reality.
College Transparency Act Sign-on: This letter, cosigned by DQC, was sent to Congress to urge the passing of the College Transparency Act.
DQC FERPA Recommendations: This document outlines DQC’s April 2023 recommendations for the 2024 update of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act.
DQC Recommendations on ESRA Reauthorization: This document outlines DQC’s April 2023 recommendations for the 2024 update of the Education Science Reform Act.
FY24 Senate Appropriations SLDS Letter: On March 23, 2023, this letter was sent to the Senate Appropriations Committee urging investments in the SLDS Grant Program and Workforce Data Quality Initiative grants for fiscal year 2024.
OMB Letter on Uniform Guidance: On March 13, 2023, this letter was sent to the Office of Management and Budget to share recommendations for guidance revisions that would constitute a deep, coordinated review of federal grants administration and reporting processes.
