Building Better Data Systems for Better Decisions

Better decisions require better information. This guiding principle lies at the heart of the Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) Grant Program, which has helped fuel the successful design, development, and expansion of K-12 and P-20W (early learning through the workforce) data systems across the nation. These systems empower states to manage, analyze, and use education data‚ particularly individual student records‚ to drive data-informed decision-making, improve student outcomes, and facilitate research aimed at closing achievement gaps. However, as data systems have matured over the past decade, new challenges have emerged, particularly in meeting the evolving needs of education agencies and stakeholders.In this session, we will explore the ongoing evolution of the K12 Student Longitudinal Data System (SLDS), a cornerstone of the state's educational data infrastructure. Specifically, we'll focus on the challenges of modernizing the NC SchoolWorks system, which, despite being a heavily relied-upon resource, is struggling to keep up with changes in state agencies, Public School Units (PSUs), and data needs. All these systems have a piece of the puzzle,but there is no single platform where our data exists, and no singular source of truth for student data ‚Äì data exists in different forms in each system.We are seeking feedback from North Carolina school leaders and education stakeholders as we transition to a unified, integrated data system. We want to hear from you‚ the individuals who are working directly with these data sources, generating reports, and using the insights to inform decisions at the local level every day.Learning Objectives:By the end of this session, participants will be able to:Understand the challenges of data fragmentation and how it affects decision-making and reporting in educational settings.Recognize the importance of cloud migration and system optimization in modernizing data infrastructure.Provide feedback for enriching data systems and creating actionable insights that drive continuous improvement in educational outcomes.