Since its founding in 2005, the majority of states have made tremendous progress implementing the 10 Essential Elements
of Statewide Data Systems.
(Duncan strategically skipped over Hawaii's current lack of a permanent state chief, a
reliable statewide data system, or any substantial record of accomplishment on teacher quality — and the fact that a new governor will take office in January).
«We did, however, try to protect those positions devoted to Home Base,» said Atkinson, referring to the
new statewide data system that provides digital tools and learning resources for teachers.
More Than the Numbers — Teacher Preparation Data Systems: State Policy and Recommendations, the Commission's first report, focuses on how to build
strong statewide data systems for teacher preparation drawing on policy models in three states — Louisiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee.
Obvious examples: SEAs should control the distribution of federal and state dollars, the adoption of statewide standards and assessments, creating and
maintaining statewide data systems, and monitoring compliance with federal and state laws.
These reforms include the implementation of new college and career - ready standards,
statewide data systems, new assessments, and new state responsibilities for these new systems, to name a few.
But whatever one's view of value - added evaluation, killing
a statewide data system is counterproductive.
Although Michigan doesn't have
a statewide data system, they implemented key practices and processes to collect data consistently.