(PSS) — The Public School System proudly announces the successful completion of its second site visit under the Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems or SLDS Grant Program.
Conducted virtually on Oct. 2, 2023 by a federal SLDS team, the visit aimed to evaluate PSS’s progress on SLDS grant-funded initiatives, provide technical guidance, and highlight best practices.
PSS has officially launched the first-ever, Commonwealth-wide data system that connects, manages, analyzes, disaggregates, and uses student data.
PSS, serving Saipan, Tinian, and Rota, operates 20 schools and 11 Early Head Start and Head Start sites, catering to approximately 9,000 students.
Recognizing the pivotal role of longitudinal data systems in enhancing student services, PSS embarked on a journey to establish a robust SLDS infrastructure.
While initially unsuccessful in securing federal SLDS funding in 2009, PSS remained committed to its goal, actively engaging in SLDS community activities and capacity-building initiatives.
In March 2020, PSS received a $2.5 million SLDS grant for infrastructure development, focusing on Early Head Start, Head Start, and K-12 data.
The grant aimed to achieve two primary outcomes: establishing a highly effective SLDS infrastructure and transitioning data usage from compliance to strategic instructional applications.
At the time of this site visit, PSS had made remarkable progress, with 83% of the FY19 SLDS grant project completed and 80% of the grant funds utilized. The visit highlighted several strengths and best practices that have significantly benefited PSS and could serve as exemplary models for other states.
The report noted that through the PSS SLDS’s operational early warning system, “educators are actively embedding data use into their individual and collective instructional processes.”
The report also highlighted how the “SLDS team is taking a thoughtful, holistic approach to embedding the SLDS products in existing onboarding, professional development, planning, accountability, and other processes and venues.”
The report likewise highlighted how “the grant-funded outputs from the SLDS are directly aligned with CNMI PSS’s policy and programmatic goals, which clearly demonstrate the system’s value.”
The other key strengths of PSS SLDS identified by the report:
• Clear communication of SLDS purpose and vision
• Detailed project planning and management
• Maturation and expansion of data governance program
• Active integration of data use into instructional processes
• Robust stakeholder engagement and communication strategies
• Strategic focus on sustainability through organizational capacity building
The visit also provided valuable recommendations for further enhancement, including:
• Thoughtful expansion of SLDS scope while ensuring sustainability
• Maturing the data governance program at the leadership level
• Enhancing stakeholder engagement through newsletters and demonstrations
For more information, contact slds@cnmipss.org/.
About PSS SLDS
PSS is dedicated to providing quality education and support services to Saipan, Tinian, and Rota students. With a focus on innovation and excellence, PSS strives to empower students for success in a rapidly evolving world.
The CNMI’s SLDS program consists of Dr. Annette Pladevega Sablan (project director), Shawna Indalecio (project specialist), Jeaniffer Cubangbang (SLDS technical manager), and Ferdinand Ngirmekur (data privacy specialist).
The SLDS is a joint effort of the U.S. Department of Education, state education agency, and other stakeholders, including educators, researchers, and policymakers. The SLDS website is just one of the many tools that the system provides to help education professionals make informed decisions and improve educational outcomes.
To learn more about the State Longitudinal Data System and its new website, visit https://slds.cnmipss.org/.
CNMI SLDS Team, from left: Ferdinand Ngirmekur, data privacy specialist; Jeaniffer Cubangbang, SLDS technical manager; Dr. Annette Pladevega Sablan, SLDS project director; and Shawna Indalecio, project specialist.
Federal SLDS team members Corey Chatis, left; and Nancy Sharkey, upper middle; Devin Kammerdeiner, upper right; with CNMI SLDS team’s Dr. Annette Pladevega Sablan, lower Middle; and Jeaniffer Cubangbang, lower right.
From left, top, Dr. Annette Pladevega Sablan, SLDS project director; Ferdinand Ngirmekur, data privacy specialist; Corey Chatis, SLDS technical assistance lead; Shawna Indalecio, project specialist; and Jeaniffer Cubangbang, SLDS technical manager.
CNMI SLDS stakeholders, including PSS officials, meet on Oct. 28, 2023.
