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
  • Acrobat PDF File Appendix D—Handout: Anatomy of an LDS
  • Appendix E—LDS in Legislation
  • Appendix F—Forum and Other NCES Resources
  • Acrobat PDF File PDF & Related Info
  • Questions? 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.