Our P20W Data System

What is the status of ERDC's current data system? 

ERDC houses a statewide longitudinal data system of information on Washington students, including data about early learning, K-12, postsecondary, and workforce sectors, collectively referred to as P20W (Preschool to Grade 20 to Workforce). Through an identity matching process, ERDC assigns unique “P20W ID’s” that link the data from the multiple sources to produce cross-sector datasets. This P20W data is collected by data contributors across the state who securely share it with ERDC, so that researchers can conduct valuable research using cross-sector datasets.

ERDC’s P20W Data System is maintained by technical staff in an on-premise data environment. Learn more about each data source and the years available on ERDC’s Data Availability webpage.  

Research that uses ERDC’s P20W data informs policy- and decision-making at the state level and within partnering institutions. People throughout the state, including state policymakers, school superintendents, school principals, university administration, and academic researchers, benefit from the data available upon request at ERDC. 

ERDC's Modernization Efforts 

What is ERDC currently working on to improve technical systems?  

In 2023, ERDC and Gartner conducted a P20W Data System Study to evaluate the current technical processes and tools that support the statewide longitudinal data system. Learn more about the P20W Data System Study and the collaborative process taken to gather feedback from staff, data partners, and data users. 

In 2024, ERDC launched a multi-phased Modernization and Procurement Support initiative to plan, design, and implement a cloud-based strategy for the P20W data system. This initiative focuses on completing key tasks under Phases 1 and 2 of the implementation plan from ERDC’s P20W Data System Study.  

Funded by a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Phase 1 of the initiative lasts for 12 months and focuses on developing a cloud strategy approach for ERDC’s P20W Data System based on insights gathered from staff and data users. ERDC has contracted with Gartner again to support this cloud strategy effort. Leaders and staff from ERDC and the Forecasting Systems Unit will also implement short-term performance improvements in Phase 1 to streamline current technical processes that support the P20W Data System. The major tasks of Phase 1 are outlined below, with the goal to complete this effort in July 2025. 

What are ERDC's long-term plans for modernizing the technical infrastructure of its P20W Data System? 

Phase 2 of ERDC’s P20W Modernization effort is expected to start in August 2025. With continued support from Gartner, ERDC will implement the Phase 1 change management and data literacy plans.