The REL-Midwest Task 1.2 fast response project

The REL-Midwest Task 1.2 fast response project, Using Multiple Levels of Data to Address Educational Issues in the Region, was designed to define exemplary education data policy work practices, common data problems, and analytic opportunities in the REL-Midwest region. Specific objectives included developing and completing data inventories for each state in the region, documenting the structure of the state's educational data system and identifying issues related to data quality, collection, and reporting.   To reduce respondent burden, these inventories were completed using information publicly available in print and online formats in a two-step process.   First, information on each state was taken from the 2006 NCEA Survey of State P-12 Longitudinal Data Systems (see http://www.dataqualitycampaign.org/survey_results/ ).   This survey of state education officials has been conducted since 2003 and includes questions on the ten components deemed essential to building a longitudinal student data system.   Second, responses to the survey were cross-checked with information available on state education agency websites, and new elements were added.

Specifically, each data inventory recorded: (1) student-level data elements, including demographic information, special population status, enrollment and course-taking data, special program participation, achievement and college-readiness test scores, and graduation and dropout data; (2) teacher-level data elements, including demographic information; certification, qualification, and professional development; and mobility and attrition; (3) information on key documentation and online sources (including education management information system manuals and data dictionaries); and (4) contact information for key SEA officials.   These inventories were used to inform narrative reports that were presented to senior SEA officials in each state in draft form for their review.   The inventories were then updated to reflect relevant comments received from the states as a result of this review process.   Authorized SEA officials can use their credentials to access their state's inventory by following the links below.

Please note:   This project concluded in January 2007.   All URLs were active as of the entry date noted in the inventories, although the conversion process which created these PDF files did not preserve all the hyperlinks embedded in the original inventory files.   To access web resources which cannot be reached by clicking on the embedded hyperlink, please enter the URL provided in your web browser.

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