Researchers and analysts
are valued partners in our mission to support improved and equitable
educational outcomes for all students across the Commonwealth. Our goal is to
provide a streamlined process to help you access the data you need to complete
your research.
Planning a research project?
Follow the steps to find publicly available state data or to submit a research proposal for access to unpublished and confidential data.
1. Search for publicly available data
A wealth of state, district, and school-level data is already
published and available online. For quick access to datasets that may answer
or refine your research questions:
- Search in the E2C Hub for large, exportable datasets
- Browse by category the list of published single-year Statewide Reports to review online or export
2. Review resources for researchers
An
essential resource for anyone planning to submit research proposals to the
Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education or work with
DESE data, this guide contains:
- An overview of data available for request, including both widely known datasets like SIMS and EPIMS and other datasets such as earnings data, voting records, and student discipline
- Detailed guidance on definitions and appropriate use of data, including changes between different collections
- Procedures for research proposal submission, review, and data security protocols
- Criteria for obtaining access to confidential data
This guide is intended to serve as a resource to researchers, advocates, and others interested in EEC data by providing an overview of commonly requested EEC data elements and the general process for submitting a data request.
Companion guide for requesting data from the Department of Higher Education is currently in
development.
Data
System Handbooks
Data
handbooks contain definitions, codes, and usage information for the data
elements in each collection. Review these handbooks to ensure you request the right
datasets for your research. Some of the variables change over time. Be sure the
handbook corresponds with the years of data you are requesting.
- SIMS — Student Information Management System* (.docx)
- SCS — Student Course Schedule (.docx)
- EPIMS — Education Personnel Information Management System (.docx)
- SSDR — School Safety and Discipline Report (.docx)
- HEIRS — Higher Education Information Resource System
3. Submit a proposal to access confidential
data
A data request web portal currently in development will streamline the submission process for research proposals. In the interim, please use the agency contact information below:
- For DESE or cross-agency data, please reach out to the Office of Planning and Research.
- For DHE data, please contact the Associate Commissioner for Research and Planning.
- For EEC data, please reach out to the Policy, Research, and Data Analytics Division.
Be
prepared to briefly describe:
- Project scope and purpose
- Research question(s)
- Methodology or analytical approach
- Data elements and years needed
- Timeframe and deliverables
- Research and policy implications of the study
- Funding source (if applicable)
- Contact information and organizational affiliations
Proposals
that align with agencies’ research agendas are encouraged. Email us to discuss your project prior to submitting a proposal.
Equity Lens
Agencies of the Massachusetts Executive Office of
Education are committed to research that advances equitable student outcomes, from expanding access to quality, affordable child care to increasing college enrollment, attainment, and success of historically underserved populations. The E2C Hub facilitates research on our shared priorities:
- Early literacy
- Educator diversity
- Early College and Innovation Pathways programs
- Earnings and outcomes
Please review our Education Research Agenda before submitting a research proposal. Preference is given to projects that
align with these priorities.
4. Know what to expect in the
review process
All
research requests go through a two-step process:
- Prereview: The research team at the relevant agency will carefully review your request to ensure it meets the eligibility criteria. If needed, we'll contact you for clarification or additional information.
- Formal review: The research team will evaluate the project's feasibility, alignment with agency needs, and compliance with confidentiality requirements. We'll keep you updated on the status of your request and provide reasons for our decision.
If your research request is
approved, the research team will prepare and draft a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) for review by legal counsel at the relevant agency. If
legal concerns are raised, the research team will work with you to revise and
resubmit. Once it’s accepted, all parties will sign the MOU and the
data-sharing agreement will be executed.
5. Access the data
With the MOU
in place, we’ll begin preparing the data. On average, this could take two weeks
to one month. The requested data will be shared with you securely through our secure data transfer portal.
Plan ahead. The whole process can take several months. Proposal revisions, IRB
review, and institutional and legal approval of the MOU all contribute to
delays.
Join our research community
We work
closely with data users and stakeholders to develop resources and data tools
that best meet your needs. The E2C Hub Research Advisory Committee, with members representing diverse disciplines and perspectives,
provides valuable insight that informs our work. Meetings are open to the
public, and your feedback is welcome.
Review notes from past meetings and plan to join us at the next one!