BOCES of New York State > Statewide Data System Initiative – Frequently Asked Questions

Statewide Data System Initiative – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Statewide Data System initiative?

Currently the district superintendents of the 37 BOCES (Board of Cooperative Educational Services) in New York are collaborating on visioning work for a standardized, modernized statewide student data system. This initiative includes researching and exploring more effective, efficient, and safe ways to collect student data and connect different pieces of information so that educators can better inform the work that they do.

In order to gather feedback from the field to inform this initiative, a series of seven meetings were held across the state. The purpose of these meetings was to better understand the roadblocks that educators experience when it comes to accessing and using student data, as well as to address questions and concerns that exist among stakeholders with regard to the collection and use of data in our schools. Ultimately, this important feedback will be used to shape the initiative as it progresses.

Why is student data collected?

Used responsibly and effectively, data can empower teachers and school leaders to better understand students’ needs, personalize instruction, and identify what works for each student and each classroom. It can give parents and students information about progress, strengths, and accomplishments. It can help us all understand what schools are doing well and what they should be doing differently to close achievement gaps, giving schools the opportunity to learn from one another.

What is a BOCES?

For more than 70 years, Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) have provided educational services and programs to students and school districts throughout New York. They are a key part of the P-12 education system. BOCES teachers and administrators work at the local level with public school districts and the communities they serve to meet a range of needs — including special education, Career and Technical Education, health and safety, office support and more. While most districts in the state are components of one of the 37 BOCES, membership does not include the “Big Five” city school districts such as New York City, Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers and Syracuse.

Learn more about BOCES and the work they do.

Why is BOCES leading this initiative?

The structure of BOCES is ideal for this initiative. Given their close working relationship with local educators, BOCES district superintendents are able to offer detailed insight into the problems and pain points districts are experiencing and suggest opportunities for change and growth.

How is this initiative being funded?

The visioning, planning and communications efforts for this initiative are mostly being provided through the various BOCES. In addition, Capital Region BOCES received a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to help with logistical expenses such as hotel rental fees, travel costs for the presenters and facilitators, and printing costs.

The content of the meetings is being determined by the BOCES district superintendents as part of their work on the Statewide Data Initiative.

What data collection system is currently in place?

New York’s current student data system is actually a multi-level system. Level 0 is the information collected by local school districts, such as student management, food service, special education, academic data, etc. This data is moved to Level 1, which is at the regional level and is done in partnership with the Regional Information Centers (RICs). When the data is then moved to Level 2, it becomes available to policymakers where it includes information on trends and paints a more overall picture of our schools statewide. Data is stored at and moved through these different levels in accordance with data privacy laws, safeguards and rules.

Is collected student and staff data protected?

Schools are charged with collecting student and staff data in accordance with the laws, safeguards, and rules that protect privacy and promote the ethical use of student data. Student data must always be used responsibly and in a way that respects individual privacy.

What is a Regional Information Center?

There are 12 Regional Information Centers (RICs) across the state, which are organized under the 37 BOCES and are also a key part of the P-12 education system in New York. RICs offer a variety of classroom tools and services to school districts and play an important role in the implementation, management and oversight of the current student data system in the state. Just as with the BOCES, the “big five” city school districts are not part of a RIC.

When were the seven meetings?

All of the statewide data meetings were held from 4-6 p.m. on the following dates and locations: