National Center for Education Statistics

Education data and research

Official education statistics and research tools.

Read the primary source

Data portal / Varies by dataset

Data portal · National Center for Education Statistics

Read with context.

Begin with a specific education question and identify the level of analysis: student population, school, district, state or nation.

Keep the reporting period and population definition with every number, and avoid drawing conclusions from a single comparison.

Limits to keep in view

Different products use different populations and reporting periods.

Connect evidence to action

Choose a question, verify the relevant jurisdiction, and explain the action you are asking someone to take. A source-backed draft is a starting point—not a message sent on your behalf.

Use this in an advocacy brief

Research sources

Source text supports this summary. Human editorial approval, service availability and eligibility are separate checks.

Source-linked reference · Baseline source-linked record; editorial review pending

Related policy & program records

Shared topic, not a claim of causation or eligibility.

Your working notes

Keep the context with the claim.

Write the question first

What are you trying to understand? Identify the population and place before looking for a number that might support your position.

Capture the measure

Record the source title, table or indicator, units, reference period and any stated uncertainty. Preserve the original wording of technical definitions.

Distinguish observation from explanation

A difference between groups can prompt further inquiry. It does not, by itself, identify the cause or establish the effect of a particular policy.