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.
