Enthusiasm Builds for Data Systems

Efforts include indicators of readiness for college.

By Dakarai I. Aarons

Arcane as the topic may seem, enthusiasts are convinced that data can be a critical lever in helping schools focus on what matters in preparing students for college.

The idea is for states and districts to collect, analyze, and—most important—act on good information that can provide feedback and guidance on efforts to prepare students for academic work beyond high school.

Many states were already at work creating longitudinal-data systems that allow for measuring college readiness by tracking the progress of individual students over time. But this year has seen an unprecedented focus on the issue as the federal government has pumped hundreds of...