Georgia Receives High Marks for Educational Data System

Georgia is one of only 11 states that have the 10 Essential Elements of developing and using longitudinal data systems to improve student achievement, according to a national report released last week. A recent U.S. Chamber of Commerce report, Leaders and Laggards, also showed Georgia ahead of other states in the use of data to impact classroom instruction.

"These two reports verify that Georgia is on the right track to getting a longitudinal data system that will help our educators across the state make sound policy decisions for the benefit of the students," said State Superintendent of Schools Kathy Cox. "Accurate data that identifies a problem is critical to tackling an issue head on. Without good data we would just be engaged in random acts of school improvement."

Data Quality Campaign (DQC) Report

The 2009 DQC report showed Georgia is one of only 11 states to have all 10 Essential Elements. DQC's annual survey results track individual states' progress towards implementing the 10 Essential Elements, as well as the policy implications of creating longitudinal systems. The DQC provides a forum for states to learn from each other as they continue to improve their systems.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Report

In it's second Leaders and Laggards report measuring Education Innovation, Georgia was one of only five states to receive more than one "A" in the eight categories. The "A's" were given for Georgia's quality data system and the ability to remove ineffective teachers. The report highlighted Georgia's data system and how the public reporting of college remediation data is factored into the accountability system.

"Our existing data collection and reporting infrastructure is not perfect yet but we are on our way," said Superintendent Cox. "As businesses have effectively used data to boost profits, educators are using data to boost student achievement."

The federal government has also recognized Georgia's commitment to a robust educational data system. In April, Georgia was one of twenty-seven states awarded a Longitudinal Data System (LDS) grant, and one of only three states to receive the maximum amount: $8.9 million.

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