CDE Data Requests

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Process for Submitting Data Requests

1. Check if the Data is Already Available

Before you submit a data request, check CDE's public data resources to see if the information you need is already online. This can save you time and ensure you have the most up-to-date data. 

2. Choose the Right Request

If you need to request data, you will need to choose one of the following request types:

3. Read the Process and Requirements

Each type of data request has specific steps and requirements. Make sure you understand these before submitting your form to avoid delays. 

4. Submit Your Request

Download and submit your completed request form to DataRequests@cde.state.co.us.

Questions? CDE's Data Sharing and Research Manager, Kathryn Wright (720-610-4712), can help with questions about which form to complete or the data request process.

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External Individual-Level and Unsuppressed Aggregate Data Requests

What is It

Requests from the general public for individual-level data, or aggregate data that includes small counts, which may contain Personally Identifiable Information (PII). CDE is restricted by federal and state law from providing PII data except under very specific circumstances. All requests for individual-level and unsuppressed aggregate data will be thoroughly reviewed for alignment with applicable laws and CDE's PII Protection Policy. 

Process

Download and send your completed External Individual-Level and Unsuppressed Aggregate Data Request Form (DOCX) to DataRequests@cde.state.co.us. 

Additional Requirements

• Student Data: Review the Student PII External Research Request Process (PDF) for the steps involved. 
• Educator Data: Review the Educator PII External Research Data Request Review Rubric (PDF) for specific guidelines.
• Data Sharing Agreement (DSA): All external parties approved to receive student or educator PII from CDE must be able to meet the terms of the Research Data Sharing Agreement (PDF) (DSA). Please review the template to ensure an understanding of the terms.  

Timeline

This review process can take 6-12 months. The review process for external research requests for student PII usually takes at least 12 months. Do not make any commitments to use CDE data until you have received approval. 

Important Notes

• CDE will not provide student names for any research request. 
• Individual-level data without names or student/educator ID numbers can still be identifiable.
• A Data Sharing Agreement (PDF) must be in place for all approved requests prior to the data request being fulfilled. The process for completing and signing Data Sharing Agreements can take multiple months. 
• Research projects should be narrowly focused and tightly defined. Project descriptions should have:
  • Clear and specific details about what information could be learned from the research and how it could be applied in other contexts, especially within and across Colorado. 
  • Very specific research questions. 
  • Clear rationale of why the specific data elements requested are necessary for the research. FERPA requires state agencies to share only the minimum data necessary for research projects. Data requested should be limited to exactly what is needed to answer very specific research questions. 
  • Clear descriptions of methodology that explain all steps of the process and which are understandable to those who may not have a technical background.  
• Any request, or component of a request, that requires a small number of districts' data will be referred to those districts. Requests to the state should be limited to those requests for which only the state would be able to provide the necessary data (e.g. requests for data for all districts or a majority of districts).  

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Colorado Open Records Act (CORA) Requests

CORA requests should be submitted through CDE's Communications Division. Read the CORA policy and submit a CORA request here.

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