Traveling Through Time: The Forum Guide to Longitudinal Data Systems

Traveling Through Time: The Forum Guide to Longitudinal Data Systems
Book 1 of 4: What is an LDS?

NFES 2010-805
July 2010

Acknowledgments
Foreword
List of Tables
List of Figures
Chapter 1. Introduction
Chapter 2. LDS Basics
- Defining "Longitudinal Data Systems"
- What Steps Should an Organization Take to Reach LDS Success?
Chapter 3. What Does an LDS Look Like? From Real to Ideal
Chapter 4. Dispelling the Misconceptions: What an LDS is, and What it is Not
Chapter 5. LDS Benefits: Why Should We Build These Systems?
Appendix A—Overview of the LDS Guide Series
Appendix B— References
Appendix C—Additional References
Appendix D—Handout: Anatomy of an LDS
Appendix E—LDS in Legislation
Appendix F—Forum and Other NCES Resources
PDF & Related Info
Contact

Chapter 2 LDS Basics

What exactly is a "longitudinal data system" (LDS)? An LDS will vary from one organization to another, as will its perceived value. Furthermore, misconceptions about these systems abound, as detailed in chapter 4.