NEW YORK, NY – A new statewide poll released today by EdTrust-New York reveals widespread support among New York parents and voters for the development of a Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) that connects education and workforce data from early childhood through college and into careers. At the same time, the findings emphasize the urgent need for equity, privacy protection, and community partnership in the system’s design. Despite New York’s national standing as one of the largest education systems in the country, it remains one of the few states without an SLDS. In its report, “Clear Data, Better Decisions: What New Yorkers Need from a Statewide Education Data System,” EdTrust-New York presents findings from a series of focus groups and a new poll, showing how a well-implemented SLDS could transform family decision-making, improve educational outcomes, and address systemic inequities. “Families across the state are demanding a seat at the table in shaping how data is collected, used, and shared,” said Arlen Benjamin-Gomez, Executive Director of EdTrust-New York. “Parents want more than numbers; they want real tools that help them support their children, advocate for change, and hold the system accountable. A well-designed SLDS is that tool.”

Key Findings Include:

• Widespread Dissatisfaction with the Current Education System: Over half of voters (51%) and parents (50%) believe New York’s education system is on the wrong track, regardless of political affiliation or race. Quality education and spending transparency are voters’ top concerns, and more data transparency can address both.
• Strong Demand for Transparency and Impact Data: Voters prioritize quality education and transparency in how tax dollars are spent. Parents are eager for data that connects school experiences to long-term success, like college completion and career outcomes.
• Broad, Growing Support for SLDS: Nearly half of voters (47%) initially support the SLDS concept, with support jumping to 64% after hearing a clear explanation. Among parents, support increased 20 percentage points after hearing a definition.
• Equity-Driven Messaging Resonates: Support for SLDS increases dramatically by 23 percentage points among Black voters when framed as a tool to improve equity and student outcomes. Parents of color voiced strong desires for data to uncover disparities and advocate for fairer treatment.
• Privacy Is a Top Concern: Support declines sharply when student privacy concerns are raised–by 23 points among Black voters and 21 points among Latinx voters. However, 41% of voters said clear privacy safeguards helped ease those fears.
• Political Opportunity: 40% of voters said they would view legislators more favorably if they supported an SLDS, a promising sign for policymakers championing data-driven reforms.

Parents Call for an SLDS That Reflects Their Realities Through six focus groups with more than 30 parents from across the state, including communities of color, those from low-income backgrounds, and parents of multilingual learners and students with disabilities, EdTrust-New York found a deep desire for data systems that are accessible, actionable, and inclusive. “The system is not made for Black and brown families to know what’s happening,” one parent shared. “Give us the data and we’ll do the rest.” Parents emphasized that an SLDS must:

• Connect education to real-world success, tracking outcomes like college persistence, job placement, and credential attainment.
• Provide real-time, actionable data to support decision-making and advocacy.
• Be co-designed with families through local pilots, translated materials, and ongoing feedback.
• Uncover inequities across student groups and promote accountability for student outcomes.

“If you give us examples—real stories—that show how this helps my child get what they need earlier, then I’m all in,” another parent said. A Call to Action for New York’s Leaders EdTrust-New York supports the state’s efforts to build a robust SLDS that links data across education, early childhood, labor, and higher education agencies. But to be successful, the system must be built with, and not just for, communities. “New York has a powerful opportunity to lead the nation in building a data system that doesn’t just track numbers, but transforms lives,” said Jeff Smink, Deputy Director of EdTrust-New York. “That starts with trust, equity, and listening to the families who live this system every day.” To ensure New York leads in building an accessible, equitable, and comprehensive statewide longitudinal data system, state leaders must commit to the development and governance of the SLDS guided by six core principles: equity, transparency, privacy and security, data quality, accessibility, and stakeholder engagement. To read the full report, visit: “Clear Data, Better Decisions: What New Yorkers Need from a Statewide Education Data System”

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About EdTrust-New York:      EdTrust-New York is dedicated to eliminating equity and opportunity gaps that hinder students from reaching their full potential. We focus on ensuring that students of color, including Black, Latinx, Native American, and Asian American and Pacific Islander students, and those from low-income backgrounds achieve high levels of success from early childhood through college. For more information, visit EdTrustNY.org.