FAQs

(Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What is the purpose of Handbooks Online?
   The purpose of Handbooks Online is to provide a comprehensive listing of all data elements that might be needed for decision making related to managing an education system, reporting to state and federal education agencies, and computing indicators of school effectiveness.
   
   
2. How often is Handbooks Online updated?
   Handbooks Online is reviewed and updated annually. Each year when the Handbooks Online is updated it is given a new version number. The current version number of the Handbooks Online can be found at the bottom of each page. Suggestions for revisions can be submitted to ghedam.bairu@ed.gov.
   
   
3. What if I want a print copy of a Domain?
   You can get a PDF of any particular Domain or the entire Handbook on the "Reports" section of this website at http://nces.ed.gov/programs/handbook/reports.asp.
   
   
4. What are the different Domains of Handbooks Online currently?
   There are currently 7 Domains:
   
   • Class
   • Intermediate Educational Unit (IEU)
   • Local Education Agency (LEA)
   • School
   • Staff
   • State Education Agency (SEA)
   • Student
   
   
5. What kinds of users benefit from using Handbooks Online?
   
   • Public and private education agencies
   • Schools
   • State education agencies
   • Education software vendors
   • Researchers
   • Members of the public interested in education information
   
   
6. Is Handbooks Online a data collection tool? Are all the data elements in Handbooks Online collected by the federal government?
   No. Handbooks Online is not a data collection tool nor is it a list of all data collected. It is a reference tool helpful in the creation of a data collection instrument or data system.
   
   
7. Does Handbooks Online reflect federal data requirements?
   No governmental agency requires the use of all of the terms and definitions included in Handbooks Online; however, care has been taken to make sure that the definitions are consistent with many governmental reporting requirements at the time of publication. For example, items needed to submit the files necessary for the EdFact’s data collection are all included in the Handbooks Online.
   
   
8. How can we use this for our state’s data dictionary?
   State education agencies (SEAs) can create and maintain handbook resources with their own update cycles and data elements. To gain access to the Data Dictionary Customization site, contact Ghedam Bairu of NCES at ghedam.bairu@ed.gov. To request training on how to use the customization tool, contact Amanda Miller of CCSSO at amandam@ccsso.org.
   
   
9. How is the Handbooks Online related to the Forum’s Data Model or the Schools Interoperability Framework Association (SIFA)?
   The Forum’s Education Data Model is a detailed conceptual representation of the education information domain. The model is a data inventory that uses Handbooks Online terms and definitions. In the same way, SIFA uses the Handbooks Online terms, definitions, and code sets to inform their specifications.
   
   
10. What is the difference in skill level between the easy and advanced search tools available with Handbooks Online?
    There are multiple ways to access the data elements and definitions on this website. The user-friendly search tools can be used to find terms and definitions. Drill-down menus can be useful for exploring content areas of interest. The advanced search tools are intended for users who already know what they are looking for and wish to download information.
    
    
11. Why would I need to download an XML Version of a handbook or other report?
    Users may wish to download an XML version of this resource when hoping to:
    • Import data into a database
    • Create a own stand-alone domain browser
    • Convert data to new document file formats such as .pdf or DocBook
    • View the domain using an XML editor
    
    View the XML Downloads
    

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