PSS receives high marks in federal SLDS site visit
The CNMI Public School System announced the successful completion of its second site visit under the Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems Grant Program.
Conducted virtually on Oct. 2, 2023, by the federal SLDS team, the visit aimed to evaluate PSS’ 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 the islands of 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 fiscal year 2019 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 notes: “Now that CNMI PSS’ SLDS has an 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 also states how “the grant-funded outputs from the SLDS are directly aligned with CNMI PSS’ policy and programmatic goals, which clearly demonstrate the system’s value.”
Other key strengths include:
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; and
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; and
Enhancing stakeholder engagement through newsletters and demonstrations.
For more information, contact slds@cnmipss.org
About CNMI SLDS
The CNMI PSS is dedicated to providing quality education and support services to Saipan, Tinian, and Rota students. With a focus on innovation and excellence, CNMI 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. (PR)
The CNMI Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems Grant 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.
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Federal SLDS Team consisting of Corey Chatis (left); Nancy Sharkey (upper middle); Devin Kammerdeiner (Upper right) and CNMI SLDS Team Dr. Annette Pladevega Sablan (lower middle); Jeaniffer Cubangbang (lower right).
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CNMI SLDS Team (from left, top to bottom): 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.
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CNMI and federal SLDS stakeholders meet on Oct.28, 2023.
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