It has been one year since DQC introduced our vision to transform state data systems, urging states to reimagine their statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDSs) so that they enable meaningful access to the data that people need to make education and workforce decisions. Here’s the progress we’ve already seen toward our state and federal recommendations to make this vision a reality:

Momentum toward cross-agency data governance is building. So far this year, three states (CO, KS, MA) are considering cross-agency data governance legislation—the most important step that states must take to make robust access to data possible. In 2023, a further three states (AL, MT, RI) enacted cross-agency data governance laws. These states join four others across the country (CA, KY, MD, ND) that serve as models by bringing together leaders from cross-sector agencies to share a table and make transparent decisions about data. 

State leaders are investing in their data systems. Over the past year, four states (LA, MO, MT, RI) and DC allocated significant funding to their SLDSs, beginning the process of building transformative state data ecosystems. With dedicated line items in their budgets for this funding, these states break with the opaque funding practices of many other states that often spread funding for their SLDSs across several different agencies. Last year, Missouri and Washington, DC, took an additional step to include funding for new full-time employees to staff their data systems. 

State leaders are calling on federal leaders to share military enlistment data. Education chiefs from 31 states and territories asked the Department of Defense to work with states to allow states to access accurate, secure, and standardized data on military service—a successful career pathway for many students.

Federal leaders are clarifying what funding is available for SLDS modernization and capacity building. The Office of Management and Budget released revisions to its Uniform Grants Guidance, clarifying that both indirect and direct funds can be used for a range of data and evidence-related purposes.

Federal leaders are providing guidance on and support for linking and accessing data.

• The US Senate reauthorized the Education Sciences Reform Act, which prioritizes and incentivizes strong cross-agency data and systems, and identifies robust data systems as necessary for evidence building and decisionmaking.
• The US House of Representatives reauthorized the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, taking steps to improve access to high-quality workforce data by stabilizing federal funding and improving federal data sources.
• The Department of Labor indicated interest in revising its regulations and guidance for sharing wage data—information necessary to connect within state data systems to understand education and training outcomes, as well as individuals’ career pathways.

But there’s still much more work ahead. In order to ensure SLDSs meet their full potential, leaders at all levels must continue to advance efforts that put information about education and workforce pathways into people’s hands. Their communities deserve it.

For more information about data, including who needs it, what kinds of access people need, and how state and federal leaders can make those kinds of access a reality, visit our website.