Managing student data is a major challenge for districts across the country. Educational institutions are facing an overload of educational technology products, creating a disjointed landscape where these tools fail to communicate effectively. This not only makes coordination difficult but also jeopardizes the data privacy of both staff and students. He Ed-Fi Standard is a solution to help organize a universe of messy data through interoperability, providing benefits ranging from state reporting to preventing students in need from being overlooked.
Advice for interested parties
Each organization has an important role to play in the process. Here are some additional tips to keep in mind when setting your target results.
- Educational Service Agencies (ESA): Defining a clear use case helps select the right contractor for a successful launch. Grant funding can make initial investment easier, and the Ed-Fi community offers you the opportunity to connect with leaders who have been through similar journeys.
- Local Education Agencies (LEAs): Because the Ed-Fi standard streamlines data interoperability, your Student Information System (SIS) will be the “single source of truth” when it comes to all types of data. While Ed-Fi reduces or eliminates the need to manipulate spreadsheets and manage multiple rosters, you will need to keep all students' SIS records organized.
- Product suppliers: Be prepared to roll up your sleeves, but know it will be worth it! As more ESAs and states value interoperability, their product will become more attractive to district buyers. Communicate regularly with ESAs to ensure alignment with development roadmaps.
Other considerations
Streamlining data flows through Ed-Fi brings enormous benefits to many stakeholders. Below are some additional ideas to help you get an idea of what to expect.
- Working with state agencies: All state agencies have data reporting needs, typically for state summative assessments at a minimum. Coordination with the state can help align a regional Ed-Fi implementation with those requirements, thereby easing the burden of providing such data while providing a new level of knowledge to LEA stakeholders.
- Starting in the middle: ESAs typically have a clear view of areas of potential oversight across districts. The ESA serves as a liaison between districts, ODS, and state reporting systems. As such, they are well positioned to keep things simple.
- Definition of a use case: A clearly defined objective is key to successful implementation. Make sure you understand the data needs of the district and school so the use case informs your daily work.
- Find the right contractor: Contractors are often vital in helping with Ed-Fi technical setup, and hiring the right contractor from the beginning will save you time in the end. Ed-Fi community leaders can help ESA and LEA stakeholders determine what to look for in a development partner.
