Building a Robust Data System in Washington

Partnership for Learning is pleased to announce the second in a series of reports on how Washington state can build an education system that prepares all students to succeed in college and the world of work. Stay tuned throughout the summer as we release a new report every few weeks.

This week: Building a Robust Data System in Washington

We live in the age of information. With an Internet connection and a few keystrokes, a startling amount of data, on every subject imaginable, is available. Education is no different.

If Washington state's goal is for all students to graduate from high school ready for college and careers, a key component to reaching this goal must be a statewide data system that tracks the right indicators and is simple and nimble enough for both educators and policymakers to use.

To learn more, read the report.

Comments

Posted: Sat, 07/31/2010 - 5:01pm — Jerry Litzenberger, PhD (not verified)

Quality

I have worked with the data of our state, from the school level to the state level, for the past 20 years. The first and most important step has little to do with technology or analysis and everything to do with insuring quality of data at the initial entry. I worked with data centers to get P210 (grad and dropout) data accurate and complete and we slowly improved the quality of those data despite the failure of OSPI to committ to the training and follow-up necessary to ensure quality