Federal Grant to Streamline State Data

DES MOINES — The Iowa Department of Education will receive an $8.8 million Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) Grant from the U.S. Department of Education’s Institute of Education Sciences.

The federal Statewide Longitudinal Data System Grant program is designed to help state education agencies develop and implement longitudinal data systems. These systems are intended to enhance the ability of states, districts, schools, and teachers to make data-driven decisions to improve student learning, as well as facilitate research to increase student achievement and close achievement gaps.

With this grant, the state will enhance its capabilities to provide consistent, reliable, and accurate quality data about Iowa education. Giving teachers and administrators the tools for deep data analysis offers them a more detailed picture of student achievement and the factors that influence student performance. The funds will also change the way student data moves across educational entities throughout the state.

The grant is for five years.