VLDS

The Virginia Longitudinal Data System is a powerful tool for Virginia's future, giving the Commonwealth an unprecedented and cost-effective tool for extracting and analyzing insightful education and workforce development data within a secure environment.

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2024 VLDS Forum

Save the Dates
October 29th & 30th, 2024
Westin in Richmond

We are excited to announce our fourth annual VLDS Research Forum. We will bring a diverse group of stakeholders together to explore how longitudinal cross-sector data can be accessible, understandable, and actionable to make an impact in decisions and policies.

Don’t miss this opportunity to connect, learn, and collaborate with peers dedicated to driving positive changes through data-driven insights. We look forward to seeing you there!

Discover VLDS

Learn more about VLDS and our Data Model, Privacy Promise, and Participating Agencies.

Research

Learn about the Research Process, Resources, and Tools to support your research.

Featured Studies

Search published and in-progress Research Products.

Reports

View Data Visualizations from the Participating Agencies.

Discover VLDS

About VLDS

The Virginia Longitudinal Data System securely links deidentified data across K through 12 and other state agencies. The information is communicated to state decision and policy makers to ensure continuous improvement in Virginia’s education system and other state services.

Our Data Model

VLDS is a “Virginia Grown” Federated Model built on a “federated” system to merge data across the participating agencies in a complex double-deidentifying hashing process that leaves private data (AKA exposure data) behind the existing firewalls of the participating agencies.

Our Privacy Promise

“We, the members of VLDS, promise to protect the privacy and confidentiality of data entrusted to us. VLDS is designed to meet or exceed all state and federal privacy laws and requirements.”