Making Data Systems Useful for California

Sound, timely data is critical to making good decisions about schooling policy and practice. However, despite California’s investments and improvements in a statewide data system (the California Longitudinal Pupil Assessment and Data System, or CALPADS), important data are still fragmented and not generally accessible to district-level personnel; additionally, the system is not geared toward helping districts measure progress toward specific goals in real time. Examples of stronger data systems can be found both outside and inside the state. In this seminar, Jesse Rothstein and Evan White present key findings about California’s data systems and the challenges and opportunities for improving them.