The KEDS Initiative: Strengthening the Foundation for Kansas Student Outcomes

The Kansas State Department of Education (KSDE) deployed its first statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS) in 2006 as part of a federal grant program. As one of the first states to deploy an SLDS, Kansas continues to be a leader in the use of technology, adoption of the Generate tools, and implementation of information management programs and policies. Further, KSDE recently completed a study in collaboration with Columbia University to determine how the state can best serve stakeholders while respecting the needs and autonomy of its 286 LEAs. Based on the findings of this study, the priorities of this grant program are strategically opportune.

KSDE has chosen to apply under the Infrastructure Priority in order to maximize standardization of its data, increase interoperability of its systems, and modernize its overall P20W SLDS capabilities. The resultant solution is referred to as the Kansas Education Data System (KEDS). These infrastructure enhancements all work together to improve data quality, analytical responsiveness, and human and technical resource utilization to positively affect student outcomes across the State. The selected goals for this proposal also serve KSDE's ultimate education goals for the State of Kansas.

The proposed project consists of five major goals, which are Deployment of a Statewide Student Information System (SSIS) to modernize the infrastructure and operations that support data collection, analysis, and dissemination; Implementation of Common Education Data Standards (CEDS) to promote increased interoperability and gains in efficiency with tools such as Generate; Augmentation of KSDE Data Quality Certification Programs to enhance current offerings and emphasize LEA commitments to data management, security, and integrity; Transformation of P20W Data Sharing Capabilities to replace manual processes and build interoperable mechanisms to support delivery of applicable SLDS data; and Customization of SSIS Capabilities for LEAs to provide strategic insight from KSDE-collected data and promote easier information exchanges between LEAs.

KSDE will be responsible for all of the grant's management and implementation activities, and will be collaborating with the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) as part of the project's efforts to link disparate data sources and provide for improved data sharing. The anticipated resultants of this project favorably complement school redesign initiatives currently underway across the State of Kansas and, in fact, increase the likelihood of their overall success. KSDE personnel have significant levels of expertise in computing and networking infrastructure, software engineering, and enterprise security — as well as having experienced inhouse training and support staff. The objectives of this proposal are well within the capabilities of KSDE and, as a demonstration of its commitment, KSDE has pledged an additional $2.5 million to this project. This proposal seeks to lay the foundation for the KEDS solution and ensure a bright future for Kansas Education.