The Trump administration and 119th Congress face the challenge of addressing the lingering education and economic effects of multiyear disruptions to school and work that have transformed how we educate students, develop skills, and show up in the workplace. Over the next four years, leaders will be called on to address complex education and workforce challenges in this postpandemic landscape—all of which require using data to understand what works and for whom to drive equitable outcomes. DQC’s transition memo lays out opportunities for action to address these issues and ensure data works for people.
To make this happen, the Trump administration and Congress should prioritize supporting states by taking actions to:
- Strengthen statewide data infrastructure, governance, and quality;
- Protect individual data;
- Ensure transparency; and
- Build capacity.
Some components of these activities can be accomplished immediately while others are bigger, bolder, and require more time to implement. For the full details of federal actions we recommend over the next four years, see our full resource.
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To ensure that data remains a key component of decisionmaking and action going forward, states need continued federal support. Our recommendations for the President’s first budget request detail how federal leaders should maintain or increase funding for the SLDS and WDQI grant programs as well as related technical assistance and support.
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In addition to these recommendations, the Trump administration should prioritize actions to strengthen the workforce development data ecosystem, including data related to programs under the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act. DQC, alongside our partners at America Forward, Credential Engine, Jobs for the Future, and Results for America, cosigned a memo that details near- and longer-term steps that federal leaders can take to strengthen the workforce data ecosystem.
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For additional perspectives on actions that the incoming administration should take, read transition memos from our partners at AASA, EdTrust, and Jobs For the Future.
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