This publication provides an overview of the current federal opportunities to help states advance their data-related activities. Although not exhaustive, this list provides a starting point for federal policymakers to support states' work in this area.

This paper describes and evaluates a computerized system, MATCH, which is being used in South Carolina to match or link student records from year to year. The functioning of MATCH and its specific features are described, and its use in matching student test scores is detailed. The problem of mismatched records and the use of visual editing to…

The National Longitudinal Study of the High School Class of 1972 (NLS) is a large-scale longitudinal survey effort. The current data tapes contain base-year (1972) survey data integrated with first follow-up (1973) survey data. The base-year data consist of responses to a Student Questionnaire, the results of an ability test, and information from…

In the spring of 1980, the High School and Beyond (HSB) base year survey collected data from about 28,000 seniors and about 30,000 sophomores in more than 1,000 secondary schools. This supplement was designed to collect data concerning the methodology associated with the receipt of postsecondary financial aid within the first 4 years after high…