Accountability Counts! was the theme of Nebraska’s 4th Annual Data Conference held in April,2011. This proposal seeks to refine and expand the K-12 portion of the state longitudinal data system, known as the Nebraska Student and Staff Record System (NSSRS), by providing tools and training to support the goals of the Governor’s P-16 Initiative and the State’s new accountability system that focus on holding districts accountable for improving academic achievement for all students. Accountability can only be achieved through collaborative efforts of agencies and stakeholders who have access to quality data and transparent processes. With assistance provided by a 2007 IES grant, Nebraska successfully collects data for all 12 elements of the America COMPETES Act. The challenge is to build on this foundation and use the data to make informed decisions from the classroom to the board room to the legislative chambers. Based on an analysis of need from stakeholders, Nebraska has developed four goals:
Goal 1. Provide a data analysis tool for districts that uses multiple local and state data sources to produce reports for local decision makers.
Data Use Tools that provide districts flexibility to upload data from different sources on different schedules to produce dashboards and support local data analysis and research.
Goal 2. Provide a statewide system of professional development training for data analysis that reaches every district.
Professional Development Training, including a partnership with the Professional Development Affiliate of the ESUs to create a statewide system of professional development training using data analysis training materials developed by a Data Analysis Cadre. A four-tiered strategy for delivery would ensure consistent training is received by every school district.
Goal 3. Build a research and evaluation operation in NDE collaboratively with the research community.
Research and Evaluation Support for new collaborative work with the research community and NDE’s newly created research function, including a research and evaluation specialist who would assist NDE program directors and staff, coordinate the research community’s involvement in the Data Analysis Cadre, conduct NDE research, and disseminate research and findings.
Goal 4. Expand and enhance the SLDS for sustainability.
SLDS Support, including a Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tool for use by NDE’s Helpdesk and Data Trainers, development of a formal data governance plan, a revision of the data dictionary to include the Common Education Data Standards (CEDS), an interstate student locator tool to find students who have moved to other states, and a staff person dedicated to ensuring high quality student enrollment data resides in NSSRS. These integrated initiatives will enable Nebraska to meet increasing demands for timely, accessible and actionable data that can be connected to research and analysis findings for decision makers at all levels.
