#United States #Denver #Education Commission #Data Systems #State Leaders

Education Commission of the States: Survey on Data System Sustainability

The Education Commission of the States (ECS) has recently published findings from a survey revealing significant concerns that state leaders have regarding the sustainability of statewide longitudinal data systems (SLDS)—critical frameworks that compile and analyze educational data from early childhood through to the workforce. Without substantial additional funding, these pivotal systems face an uncertain future.

In this survey, responses were gathered from SLDS leaders across 27 states, establishing a consensus that these data systems, which play a key role in driving policy decisions and improving educational outcomes, are becoming increasingly vulnerable. A notable point from the survey is that a staggering 60% of respondents highlighted declining state appropriations as the primary long-term risk for SLDS sustainability. This represents a drastic increase from just 7% who noted this concern three years prior. Alarmingly, only a single leader indicated they had no anticipated risks for the future of their systems.

One of the most pressing issues reflected in the survey is the urgent need for funding, particularly in areas of research and analytics. A significant 63% of respondents signaled a critical or significant need for additional investment in these areas, which are deemed essential for functioning SLDS. More than half of the states also noted urgent funding needs within their IT and systems support—a further reflection of the pressing financial strain these systems are under.

Compounding these financial challenges are staffing shortages that threaten the operational capacity of SLDS. Most surveyed leaders rated their staffing levels for crucial roles in research, analytics, and IT support as inadequate. Approximately 70% pointed directly to understaffing within research and analytics departments. Factors contributing to these recruitment and retention challenges include uncompetitive salaries and reliance on grant-funded positions.

The ECS report emphasizes the necessity for immediate action to secure the future of these essential systems. While 74% of states claim to have governance structures that support long-term planning, only 37% feel that their existing funding models enable them to make crucial upgrades or adapt to evolving technological demands. The findings advocate for strategies such as diversifying funding sources, securing multi-year funding commitments, and investing in staffing capacity to enhance the sustainability of SLDS.

As the report illustrates, certain states that have successfully established funding approaches enjoy the benefits of stable legislative appropriations, which allow them to maintain high-quality data management and public access dashboards without the persistent worry of funding interruptions.

In conclusion, statewide longitudinal data systems serve as invaluable tools for educational leaders looking to comprehend student trajectories from the classroom to the workforce. However, the operations and advancements of these systems hinge on receiving not only more funds but also sustainable funding over the long haul. Failure to address these funding and staffing challenges threatens to hinder future capabilities and diminish the invaluable insights these systems can provide, affecting educational policy and outcomes across the board. The full findings of this survey are available in an interactive report at www.ecs.org.