Managing Kansas' Longitudinal Data System

Kansas is widely considered to be a leader in its efforts to collect and protect student data. Here's an overview of the roles and responsibilities of those who are involved in managing the state's longitudinal data system:

• Data stewards are experts in program areas such as special education and career/technical education. They are responsible for identifying and managing metadata, communicating new data requirements, and providing requirements for archiving data and keeping it secure.
• Data managers bring data stewards together to collaborate and share ideas.
• Data owners determine what data needs to be collected and have ultimate responsibility for that data.
• The Data Governance Board is composed of data owners from across all program areas. The group has policy-level responsibility and meets monthly.
• Executive leadership includes the education commissioner and deputy commissioners.

The state also has a Data Request Review Board, which responds to requests for data in a uniform manner. Those requesting individual student data must sign a contract, and the board works with them to determine what data they need.

According to Kathy Gosa, director of IT for the Kansas State Department of Education, the state rarely provides individual student data. When it does, it de-identifies (that is, wipes) the records and requires recipients to specify a time and method for destroying the records.