State Longitudinal Data System
Connecting Education and Workforce Data to Improve Outcomes
Kansas collects valuable information about students, education programs, credentials, employment, and the workforce. But much of that information is housed in separate state agencies and systems, making it difficult to understand how Kansans move from education into careers.
A State Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) securely connects data across education and workforce systems so policymakers, educators, employers, students, and families can better understand which pathways lead to successful outcomes.
An SLDS does not replace existing agency data systems. Instead, it creates the infrastructure needed to securely connect information that already exists and use it to answer important questions about Kansas’ education-to-workforce pipeline.
What Can an SLDS Help Kansas Understand?
A strong SLDS can help state leaders answer questions such as:
- Are students leaving high school prepared for college, training, or the workforce?
- Which education and training programs lead to strong employment and earnings outcomes?
- Where are Kansas employers experiencing workforce shortages?
- Are state investments in education and workforce programs producing results?
- Where are students falling out of the education-to-workforce pipeline?
- Which credentials and career pathways provide the greatest opportunities for Kansans?
By connecting information across systems, Kansas can move beyond measuring individual programs in isolation and better understand how ed
Why It Matters
For Students and Families
Better information can help Kansans understand which education and training pathways lead to credentials, careers, and economic opportunity.
For Educators
Longitudinal data can provide a clearer picture of what happens to students after they leave a school, college, or training program and help educators strengthen preparation for life after graduation.
For Employers
Workforce data can help employers and economic development leaders identify talent trends, anticipate workforce needs, and strengthen connections between education and industry.
For Policymakers
An SLDS gives state leaders better tools to evaluate programs, understand outcomes, identify gaps, and make informed decisions about taxpayer investments.