Statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDSs) often rely on personal identifiers to securely link individual-level data across early childhood, K-12, higher education, and the workforce. However, different sectors use different types of personal identifiers which can make accurately connecting records difficult. Driver's license data offers a single…

Policymakers across the country are seeking to better understand credentials of value--the education and training programs that help workers fill in-demand and growing jobs in their states. But right now, leaders are lacking the complete set of information they need to understand P-20W (early childhood, K-12, postsecondary, and workforce) pathways…

Expanding access to high-quality, affordable early childhood services is key to state efforts to support families' well-being, ensure that children are ready to succeed in school, and sustain a strong economy. Right now, early childhood data is typically housed in different, disconnected state and local systems. State leaders seeking to provide…

For states to build statewide longitudinal data systems that empower people with access to information about education and workforce pathways, state leaders must consider the human capacity they already have, and must develop, to support this work. Building the human capacity required to manage, analyze, and protect data means investing in and…

State leaders have a responsibility to use their data systems to help students seamlessly navigate transitions from high school into college, workforce training programs, the military, and apprenticeships. Many state leaders are meeting this responsibility by establishing initiatives to make enrolling in postsecondary education and workforce…

The affordability of postsecondary education and training programs affects efforts across the nation to help more students achieve their goals after high school. Improved postsecondary access, completion, and return on investment is a goal of many state leaders, educational institutions, and economic and education advocacy groups--but accessing…