Directory of Federal Agency Education Data Tapes.

Overview & Synopsis

This directory is the initial result of a Congressional mandate to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) to improve coordination among Federal agencies concerned with the collection and use of education data. It identifies and describes education data bases, predominantly quantitiative, available on computer tape from Federal agencies conducting education-relevant research and maintaning data systems. The directory's emphasis is on describing the basic methodological and substantive aspects of the survey or system from which the data are derived, the general content of the tape, and significant characteristics of the data. The following information is described for each data base: persons to contact for tape access and general information, objectives, date of data collection, periodicity of data collection, methodology, significant variables, cost of the tape, data characteristics, and auxiliary services. The directory is organized as follows: Elementary/Secondary Education; Postsecondary Education; Demographic, Vital, Health, and Welfare Data; Manpower Supply and Demand; Libraries and Media Centers; and Federal Outlays for Education. Within each level, the descriptions are arranged alphabetically by the agency which disseminates the data. (RC)