Brighter Futures Begin with HOPE.

A recent MEPC post raises concerns that the state’s future economic prosperity may be limited by persistently disparate outcomes between residents by poverty status and race. Moving towards many of the goals outlined in the post –job creation, quality schools and strong post-secondary and workforce training- will require more in-depth knowledge of how our education systems connect and support students of all ages.

In an effort to build that knowledge, the state recently passed legislation that will eventually provide the state’s leaders and policymakers with data on student and workforce outcomes across all education systems- elementary school to employment. Through the recently passed Mississippi State Longitudinal Data System, Mississippi will now begin to build the capacity to link information together from key state entities and eventually make data driven decisions for investment in policies and programs that move the state forward.

The figure below shows the agencies that will potentially be included in the new state system:

In particular, the recent authorization could develop a system that provides a resource for looking at the wage and employment outcomes of adults that exit training programs across the state. The system can also help determine which programs are successfully preparing low-income, low-skill adults to move into jobs with advancement opportunities and higher wages.

Using the SLDS gives leaders a resource for strengthening the state’s education and training, so more adults are equipped with the skills they need to open the doors to higher wage employment. Opening these doors remains a key avenue for increasing the economic security of families and one solution for closing income and educational disparities across the state.

Want to learn more?

Read more on the State Workforce Investment Board’s goals for the State Longitudinal Data System.
Read more on how data systems can be used to strengthen Mississippi’s education and training systems.
Read the SLDS legislation passed by Mississippi during the last legislative session.