50-State Comparison: Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems

Education Commission of the States has researched Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) policies and resources in all states and the District of Columbia to provide this comprehensive resource. This updated 50-State Comparison relies exclusively on publicly available and up-to-date information. A state is defined as having an SLDS based on connections between core domains of data, on clear evidence of linkages or cross-agency data reporting, and on the existence of a clearly articulated governance structure. Additionally, this update now recognizes data systems that are under construction.

Education Commission of the States adapted WestEd’s P20W Modernization Diagnostic Tool to create a framework for organizing sections of this version. More information on each section and its intent is included on its associated landing page.

Defining Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems

Four education data domains are designated as core domains within any SLDS: early learning, K-12, postsecondary and workforce. For the purposes of this 50-State Comparison, an SLDS is defined as a data system with formal connections across two or more of these core domains.

Further, a state is classified as having an SLDS if it exhibits public evidence of current automated data linkages, a data governance structure, cross-agency research agendas or regular cross-agency data reporting. Additional details on these definitions and methodologies are included in the accompanying SLDS landscape Policy Brief.

50-State Comparisons

Click on the text links to view the reports or click the bar to view the questions.

Click here to view all data points for all states, or view a specific state’s approach by going to the individual state profile page.

Key Takeaways

• Thirty-three states have an active SLDS, and an SLDS is “under construction” in an additional nine states.
• All 50 states and the District of Columbia have received a federal SLDS grant, with 26 states receiving a grant during the 2023 round of funding. Forty states received a federal Workforce Data Quality Initiative grant.
• We designated four education domains as core domains within any SLDS: early learning, K-12, postsecondary and workforce. Among states that have an active or under construction SLDS:
  • Thirty incorporate early learning data into the SLDS.
  • Thirty-five incorporate K-12 data into the SLDS.
  • Thirty-five incorporate postsecondary data into the SLDS.
  • Thirty-two incorporate workforce data into the SLDS.
  • Twenty-five have a full pre-K through workforce SLDS.
• Twenty-nine states with a SLDS or one under construction publicly specify data governance for the SLDS. Of those, 11 specify governance structures or policies in statute.
• Fourteen states publish a common research agenda or learning agenda to guide the work of the SLDS.
• Fifteen states outline governance processes, roles, or responsibilities in additional detail in a public-facing manual or document.

 Related Resources

• The Statewide Longitudinal Data System Landscape
• Lessons in Data Governance for State Education Leaders
• State Strategies for Effective Data Governance
• WestEd P20W Modernization Diagnostic Tool