Analyze business, decision-making, and research needs of key stakeholders.
Catalog current and planned local data collection methods and data structures.
Design, develop, and implement the Maryland Longitudinal Data System (MLDS) architecture.
Identify research and decision-making needs of key stakeholders.
Develop a robust quality assurance system.
Create the logical relationships between data systems.
Implement confidentiality processes in compliance with Federal, State and FERPA requirements.
Develop a pilot structure to enable researchers and decision-makers to mine special education data for time-based analysis.
Design the system architecture using methodologies so that it can be modified and expanded over time.
Develop and implement a special education data warehouse as a Department pilot using COGNOS to manage reports and create access to information by local school systems and program managers.
Create, assign, and track a unique, permanent student identifier at the State level.
Plan and implement statewide data collection systems.
Develop a data collection system that is logistically and economically feasible for all local school systems in Maryland.
Conduct cost/benefit and sustainability analysis.
Evaluate the reporting methodology for the Work Sampling (WSS) Assessment system for young children.
Design, use, and maintain business intelligence tools (analytical and reporting).
Design predefined special education data reports to streamline the capability to report to local, State, and federal agencies.
Design timely reports and analyze needs of different stakeholders and design protocols for the special education pilot high-level longitudinal analyses required for data-driven decision-making by policymakers, educators, and members of the public.
Provide timely, accurate, and user-friendly dissemination of the needed data, reports, and analyses results to various stakeholders.
Conduct longitudinal special education research to inform policy and decision-making at the State, district, school, and class levels in order to improve student achievement.
Design, deliver, support, and evaluate a variety of professional development offerings for differing special education audiences (teachers, school-based leaders, district and State administrators) on the use of innovative analytical tools and reports to inform their policy and decision-making abilities.
Establish logistical capacity to create and maintain a statewide longitudinal data system.
Develop efficient administrative processes, infrastructure components, and policy commitments for effectively implementing the maintenance of statewide longitudinal data systems.
Assure sustainability and effectiveness of the system.