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State Education Agencies - Implementation Playbook

SEA playbook cover image

About the Playbook​

Welcome to the Ed-Fi State Education Agencies (SEAs) - Implementation Playbook ("SEA Playbook").

The intended audience for the SEA Playbook is leadership of state data efforts. The Playbook explains the problems Ed-Fi is solving for states and how data modernization efforts can unlock statewide opportunity to support schools, teachers and students.

Where Should a State Education Agency Start?​

Most states start by deciding what they want to do with the Ed-Fi Data Standard, then choosing an implementation approach and planning a pilot.

Typical SEA Use Cases​

  • State reporting and data collection. Collect enrollment, program, and assessment data from districts through the Ed-Fi API, with validation as data arrives, instead of file-based submissions.
  • Funding and accountability. Show districts how their enrollment data feeds state funding calculations and accountability results, so they can catch problems before results are final.
  • Assessment integration. Assessment vendors connect once, statewide, instead of district by district.
  • Returning data to districts. Student records that follow students between schools, early warning systems, and timely alerts to counselors.
  • Special populations and programs. Special education, English learners, early childhood, and dual enrollment.
  • Research and analytics. Analysis-ready statewide datasets, including feeding a CEDS data warehouse.

For state examples, see Impact in the playbook.

First Steps​

  1. Choose an implementation approach: Reporting Only, Data Hub Only, or Reporting + Data Hub. The playbook recommends Reporting + Data Hub where a strong education service agency (ESA) model exists. See Implementation Approaches.
  2. Plan the project. Assemble internal and external expertise, issue an RFP if you will use a managed service provider, design the pilot, map state data to the Ed-Fi Data Standard, and start communicating with districts and vendors. Consider requiring Ed-Fi certification in state RFPs.
  3. Pilot, run in parallel, then go to production. Pilot with core data elements and a small group of districts and vendors, run Ed-Fi-based collection alongside the legacy system, then move to production. See The Four Stages.

View Playbook Online​

The full playbook content is available as an online, readable page with diagrams and structured sections:

Ed-Fi Academy Content​

If you haven’t already completed:

We recommend these resources for those very new to Ed-Fi - they will assist in digesting the information presented in the playbook.

SEA Knowledge Base​

Knowledge base (KB) articles in this online guide present more detailed information that goes deeper into the topics in the playbook.

Below, please find links to additional KB articles that your teams will find helpful.