Data Systems That Work
Our new four- part webinar series, “Creating Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems that Provide Useful Information,” is designed to help leaders maximize the potential of their education-based data systems. The series introduces the User-Centered State Data System Design framework, which helps states build data systems that put people first. Centering on three core functions of data systems—Public Reports & Dashboards, Supporting Individuals, and Research & Analytics—the webinars offer practical strategies, real-world examples, and lessons learned from modernization efforts.
Sponsoring agencies are Education Commission of the States (ECS), the Data Integration Support Center (DISC) at WestEd, Data Quality Campaign (DQC), and Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP).
Webinar Details
Webinar 1: “So, You Want a State Dashboard?”
October 22, 2025
Dashboards are one of the most common features of statewide data systems—but are they designed for compliance, or for action? This webinar explored how dashboards and public reports can deliver timely, actionable insights for multiple audiences, from policymakers to families.
—-> For the webinar recording and other resources, click here.
Webinar 2: “Empowering Individuals with Data”
November 21, 2025
How can data systems support individuals to navigate college and career choices? To find out, we go directly to the source—California. Join us to discover how California is using data to streamline college applications, connect students to services, and deliver real-time insights.The webinar features the California Cradle-to-Career Data System (C2C) and California College Guidance Initiative (CCGI).
—-> For the webinar recording and other resources, click here.
Webinar 3: Maximizing the Power of Research & Analytics
December 17, 2025 | 1–2 p.m. EST | 10–11 a.m. PST
In this third session of the Creating Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) That Provide Useful Information series, state leaders will explore how modern SLDS can securely expand access to linked data and enable more meaningful analyses that help leaders understand long-term outcomes and the impact of critical public investments.
—-> For the webinar recording and other resources, click here.
Webinar 4: Expanding Data Partnerships: Insights from Health & Human Services
January 28, 2026 | 1–2 p.m. EST | 10–11 a.m. PST
How can Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) better serve students and families by connecting with partners beyond education?
This session, Expanding Data Partnerships: Insights from Health & Human Services, will examine how states are expanding SLDS to include data from health and human services agencies and what education leaders can learn from those efforts. As states seek to better support educational attainment and child wellbeing, cross-sector data partnerships are becoming increasingly essential.
Co-hosted by Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP), this webinar will feature state leaders from Iowa, Connecticut, and North Carolina, who will share how their data-sharing initiatives have evolved, how they’ve navigated governance and privacy challenges, and what practical steps they’ve taken to integrate new data sources.
Participants will gain actionable insights into how lessons from health and human services can inform SLDS modernization and help states deliver more meaningful, user-centered data tools.
