transmitted by the states to meet the data requirements of annual and final grant reporting, specific program mandates, and the Government Performance and Results Act. In addition, the EDEN Survey Tool was established to allow transmission of additional data, such as the Civil Rights Data Collection and the Indian Education Formula Grant Program Application for Funds.

In 2006, the Department of Education launched a more overarching system called EDFacts which is a central portal for performance and accountability data reporting, including nonfiscal CCD data.⁵ White noted that implementation of EDFacts has “done a little damage” to the October 1 reporting deadline. In particular, states that had highly developed data systems in place prior to EDFacts have had a difficult time converting to the new format and its definitions. The department has provided some funding to states to help them enter the EDEN/EDFacts system. Since January 2007, reporting of these data using EDFacts is mandatory (with a 2-year transition period).

The establishment of the Statewide Longitudinal Data System Grant Program has also provided an opportunity for states to apply for grants from between $500,000 and $6 million to develop and implement longitudinal data systems. The grants provide funding for 3-year cycles. Participation has grown substantially every year since the program’s inception in 2005. Many states have been awarded their second 3-year grant, and only eight states have not participated.