Kansas establishes Longitudinal Data Division to enhance educational and workforce outcomes

The House Committee on K-12 Education convened on February 11, 2025, to discuss significant legislative measures aimed at enhancing data management and educational outcomes in Kansas. The primary focus of the meeting was the establishment of the Division of Longitudinal Data and the Kansas Longitudinal Data System.

The committee began by outlining the responsibilities of the newly proposed division, which will be tasked with creating a prioritized list of data research requests. This division is expected to start accepting these requests by January 31, 2026, from various state entities, including the legislature, the governor, and executive branch agencies such as the State Board of Education and the State Board of Regents. Additionally, upon approval from the Legislative Coordinating Council (LCC), the division may also accept requests from other governmental entities, private organizations, and the public. Notably, the division will have the authority to charge for the costs associated with fulfilling these data research requests.

The committee emphasized the importance of data security, stating that the division must adhere to existing laws regarding data breaches and notifications. The Kansas Longitudinal Data System is designed to store, exchange, and analyze data to improve educational and workforce outcomes. Participating agencies, including the State Department of Education and the Department of Labor, will be required to enter into memoranda of understanding (MOUs) to share data with the division.

Access to the data within the system will be restricted to authorized personnel, including division staff and approved research designees. The bill also allows for the hiring of a research designee with expertise in relevant fields, who will serve a three-year term and assist with data research requests.

Another key component discussed was the establishment of the Kansas Credential and Skills Registry. This registry will provide up-to-date information on various educational and occupational credentials, including diplomas, certificates, and licenses. The registry will be publicly accessible and will not contain personally identifiable information about credential holders.

The meeting concluded with the introduction of a sunset provision, which stipulates that the Longitudinal Data Act will expire on January 1, 2033, unless reauthorized by the legislature. This provision aims to ensure ongoing evaluation and relevance of the data initiatives.

Overall, the committee's discussions highlighted a commitment to improving data management in education and workforce development, with a focus on transparency, security, and accessibility. The next steps will involve further deliberation on the proposed measures and their implications for Kansas's educational landscape.