Colorado Longitudinal Data System Takes Shape

March 4, 2026

Colorado’s upcoming Statewide Longitudinal Data System now has a catchy new name — COdata, short for Colorado Data Connections  — marking its evolution from a policy vision into an accessible, user-friendly tool designed to help learners and their families, as well as educators and policymakers, make informed decisions about education and career pathways.


At The Attainment Network’s February State of the Data webinar, Dr. Heather MacGillivary from the Governor’s Office of Information Technology shared meaningful progress and new opportunities for stakeholder engagement as COdata moves toward the launch of its first public reports this September. 


Key Updates

  • Draft Research Framework
    The state has developed a draft 2–3 year    research framework to guide how COdata will be used and expanded. The framework:
  • Establishes shared definitions to reduce confusion across agencies and sectors
  • Identifies priority questions about education-to-workforce pathways
  • Emphasizes analysis of access and outcomes for diverse groups of Coloradans
  • Stakeholder feedback on the Research Framework is being collected through May, with finalization expected in June. Contact heather.macgillivary@state.co.us to provide feedback.
  • Public Data Dashboard Development
    The public-facing COdata dashboard is actively being built and tested. The team has:
  • Conducted focus groups with state agency data partners to refine the interface
  • Linked the majority of participating program data sources
  • OIT is seeking feedback on the dashboard from learners, families and policymakers. Contact Stefan@attainmentnetwork.org if you know learners and families who would like to participate.


You can review the full presentation and discussion here:
👉Slides
👉Recording Passcode: z5Sz!6&C


In addition to system updates, CEEMI’s Roger Low reminded participants that evidence-building is not a box-checking exercise — it is about improving people’s lives. With limited public resources and complex challenges, research and evaluation help determine which strategies truly move the needle. Clear distinctions between outputs, outcomes, and impacts are essential to scaling what works.


Ways to Stay Engaged

📊 Join the Better Data for Better Decisions Coalition
Participate in monthly working sessions to provide stakeholder feedback and help align COData insights with major state priorities and policy decisions. ContactStefan@attainmentnetwork.org for more information about the coalition.


🎤 Attend the Career-Connected L/Earning Conference, Oct. 29–30 in Colorado Springs
Learn more about how data, evidence, and cross-sector collaboration shape Colorado’s education-to-workforce system.Learn More.


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