SLDS Issue Brief: Implementing a Research Agenda

Research agendas help statewide longitudinal data system (SLDS) teams and their states align SLDS work with state strategic goals and policy priorities, plan and prioritize research projects, and respond to data requests from researchers. This brief describes key steps and considerations for communicating and carrying out a research agenda that an SLDS can support, including (1) developing a vision for successfully implementing the agenda; (2) making the vision a reality by identifying and prioritizing strategies to address implementation challenges; (3) creating an action plan for implementation; and (4) communicating with research agenda stakeholders. The brief also discusses how to ensure that the research agenda is sustainable over time. The guidance in this brief is intended for states that have already developed a research agenda but have not taken steps to implement it. [This brief is a product of the Institute of Education Sciences (IES) Statewide Longitudinal Data System (SLDS) Grant Program. Contributors include Kathy Gosa and Carla Howe.]