1 Statewide Directions for Student Information Systems James A. Kadamus New York State Education Department March, 2004

2 Introduction n the “state” of education n moving to a statewide student information system n student performance data n what a statewide system can do for you n role of the RICs n disclaimers u conceptual, not technical u ongoing policy development

3 The Current State In a standards-based environment, we need to: n collect data n analyze n plan and report n analyze again n improve practice n analyze again n be mindful of costs

4 What do we need in order to do this? n an orderly process n a statewide system n clear rules n clear roles n financial assistance n sufficient resources (people, technology, infrastructure, funding)

5 The Role of SED (part 1) Close gaps in student achievement n foster the development of a statewide system n meet federal and state reporting requirements n ensure resources are provided efficiently and effectively n set standards, reduce redundancy n advocate for funding

6 The Role of SED (part 2) n facilitate cooperation and coordination n ensure equity n focus on outcomes n highlight best practices n provide a planning infrastructure n integrate educational technology with other State functions

7 Elements of a Statewide Student Information System n unique student identifier n reporting requirements n statewide data standards n statewide data repository n technical services for LEAs n analysis support for instruction n instructional resources and staff development n coordination between elements

8 Unique Student Identifier n purpose: numbering system – enables longitudinal, disaggregated data n awarded contract n ID will be available for n can be used to track students n will enhance student data reporting n will improve data quality

9 Reporting Requirements n purpose: meet obligations, reduce redundancy n NCLB accountability n must comply with state accountability systems n goal of simplifying data submission

10 Statewide Data Repository n purpose: meet requirements n databases (local) n warehouses (regional) n repository (statewide) n will provide the State with required information n the same data items can be used for multiple purposes

11 Technical Support for LEAs n purpose: reduce burden n system needs quality data n systems have to be integrated n need networked infrastructure n technical assistance will be available to meet data requirements n improve quality, enhance staff expertise

12 Analysis Support for Instruction n purpose: improve instruction n generate user-friendly reports n provide a series of standard analyses (e.g., reports sent to districts that participated in the January Math A field test) n additional analyses available on request, with additional costs n professional development for using data

13 Instructional Resources and Staff Development n purpose: improve instruction n Virtual Learning System (VLS) u all standards in one place n web portal concept n authentication and authorization (replace the need for passwords for each application) n centralized place - eliminates involved searching and researching

14 How could/would/will it work? n district gives exam (not just state exams) n results sent to RIC (in the future, using online exams) n RIC sends data wherever; sends analysis back to district n web portal provides resources for staff development and instruction n instruction is improved; retest results follow the same route n faster transactions will enhance instruction and student performance

15 Role of RICs (part 1) n core partners with SED and districts to manage the process n foster regional planning in support of statewide directions (793 plan process) n provide statewide coordination (RIC directors) n construct warehouses n apply for E-rate funding on behalf of districts

16 Role of RICs (part 2) n create coordination n support management applications - financial, cafeteria, etc. n assure development of, and compliance with, regional standards n convene districts for regional planning

17 Ongoing Issues n determining the line between standardization and local autonomy, e.g., statewide purchase of software n cost effectiveness, e.g., balance between costs and local assistance in data warehouses n determining the line between instructional and management technology services (7710 and 6360) n integrating non-RIC parties, e.g., Big 5, charter schools

18 Implications for School Superintendents n will have longitudinal data on all students n will have data to assess strengths and weaknesses of instructional program n processes such as LEAP and STEP will be streamlined n teachers, parents and students will have ready access to resources to promote better learning

19 School District Obligations n provide quality data at student level (core issue for data-based decision making and data-driven instruction) n integrate planning for technology n provide ongoing staff development n involve parents n ensure Internet safety n designate a district data administrator

20 How can this save money? n reduce staff time (analysis rather than collection) n improve planning process n target staff development n facilitate program improvement n focus curriculum development n inform decisionmaking n provide required reports

21 How can this help students? n can direct instruction to gaps in student performance n increases curriculum articulation n provides resources to differentiate instruction n provides ready access to data for students moving between districts

22 Resources n Statewide Data Collection memo ments/02-04studentid-fm.htm n Virtual Learning System n NYSED Technology Plan uments/technology/tech-plan-2-03.html n E-rate