Understanding the data

The Kentucky Longitudinal Data System De-Identified Reporting System is a statewide longitudinal data system that includes de-identified (i.e. names, social security numbers, addresses, and other data which can identify a person as an individual are removed) data about people's educational and ultimately their employment experiences and performances. Data are collected and linked from existing state agency data systems. It includes data about the kinds of services they receive, programs in which they participate, and their academic performance and program or degree completion. It also includes a variety of demographic data so we are able to look at a variety of different groups of people. The following is a brief subset of the types of data that are available within the KLDS and DRS systems:

1. Demographics such as age, gender, ethnicity, etc.
2. Student level grades for classes by course and subject and overall GPAs in K-12 and at the college and university level.
3. Program and degree completion including high school diplomas and certificates, college degrees and other credentials, and teacher certifications.
4. Additional background characteristics about students including behavior data, how far they ride the bus, whether they are eligible for free and reduced lunch, and what types of special programs they participate in such as special education, gifted/talented, AP/IB, etc.
5. Assessments including all state level assessments for students in K-12, ACT scores, AP exam data, PRAXIS (teacher exams), GED awards for adult education students, and others.

In the near future, we also intend to have statewide employment and earnings data linked into the system so we can identify the industries where graduates and non-completers find jobs, how much they earn, and any related unemployment patterns.

Data Dictionary

The KLDS and DRS are composed of over 1,000 individual data elements so they cannot all be listed here; however, every report that we create includes specific meta-data information about the data elements and any metrics or calculations being used. Additional information and specific definitions of each of the data fields can be found in our online KCEWS Data Dictionary. This searchable web-based application is developed and maintained by the Center. As additional data are incorporated into the system, their definitions will be included in the system.