Vision and Roadmap for Education Statistics

The education landscape in the United States has been changing rapidly in recent decades: student populations have become more diverse; there has been an explosion of data sources; there is an intensified focus on diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility; educators and policy makers at all levels want more and better data for evidence-based decision making; and the role of technology in education has increased dramatically. With awareness of this changed landscape the Institute of Education Sciences at the U.S. Department of Education asked the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine to provide a vision for the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)?the nation's premier statistical agency for collecting, analyzing, and disseminating statistics at all levels of education.A Vision and Roadmap for Education Statistics (2022) reviews developments in using alternative data sources, considers recent trends and future priorities, and suggests changes to NCES's programs and operations, with a focus on NCES's statistical programs. The report reimagines NCES as a leader in the 21st century education data ecosystem, where it can meet the growing demands for policy-relevant statistical analyses and data to more effectively and efficiently achieve its mission, especially in light of the Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act of 2018 and the 2021 Presidential Executive Order on advancing racial equity. The report provides strategic advice for NCES in all aspects of the agency's work including modernization, stakeholder engagement, and the resources necessary to complete its mission and meet the current and future challenges in education.Table of ContentsFront MatterSynopsisSummary1 Introduction2 Rise Up to Meet 21st-Century Education Data Ecosystem Needs3 Prioritize Topics, Data Content, and Statistical Information toMaintain Relevance4 Expand Engagement and Dissemination for Greater Mission Impact5 Transform Internal Structure and Operations to Align with andDirectly Support the Strategic Plan6 Summary of RecommendationsReferencesAppendix A: Glossary of Terms and Acronyms Used in This ReportAppendix B: Data Sources and Collection ApproachesAppendix C: Summary of Data Content Prioritization ProcessAppendix D: Comparing Federal Principal Statistical Agencies andUnitsAppendix E: Institute of Education Sciences and NCES Product ReviewProcessesAppendix F: Open Meeting Agendas and Solicited StatementsAppendix G: Biographical Sketches of the PanelCommittee on National Statistics