Introduction
Michigan set out to connect every school district in the state with a modern, flexible way to share information. What began as a way to make state reporting easier quickly grew into the Michigan Data Hub, a statewide platform built on the Ed-Fi Data Standard that supports everyday teaching, student services, and long-term planning.
By working together, the Michigan Department of Education, the Center for Educational Performance and Information (CEPI), intermediate school districts (ISDs), funders, and vendors, the Michigan Data Hub created a data system that helps improve student outcomes, makes compliance simpler, and helps schools run more effectively.
Challenge
Before the Michigan Data Hub, schools across the state faced a patchwork of disconnected systems. Each district used its own technology, and systems couldn’t communicate with one another, which made collaboration a challenge. State reporting was slow, repetitive, and often required manual work. Schools also lacked the real-time information they needed to identify and support students at risk, particularly those who were struggling with reading or moving between schools.
Goals
Michigan set out to create a scalable and cost-effective data platform that would:
- Connect local, regional, and state systems through shared data standards.
- Make reporting easier by automating submissions and eliminating duplication.
- Support early intervention and student services with timely, actionable data.
- Ensure statewide consistency without mandating a single vendor or tool.
Implementation Process
Laying the Groundwork
The project began with $1 million in state funding and a vision for shared ownership among the state and local districts. The Ed-Fi Data Standard provided the common language that made it possible to connect systems across different vendors and schools. As the system proved its value, the state increased its investment to $3.5 million. Intermediate School Districts played a key role by supporting local rollouts, training educators, and acting as trusted connections between districts and the state.
Accountability and Communications
To keep trust strong and ensure continued support, Michigan shared regular progress updates with state legislators. A cost-benefit analysis showed how the system saved money and helped schools run more smoothly. The Data Hub was closely tied to the state’s top priorities, such as improving literacy and supporting special populations.
Results
Teachers and school leaders now have real-time access to student information, helping them make faster and more informed decisions. Automated processes have greatly reduced the amount of manual work, freeing up staff time for more meaningful tasks. Schools can now track services, interventions, and compliance for students with dyslexia and other learning needs more effectively. Tools created on the platform make it easier to securely transfer student information when children move from one school to another. Whether it is supporting early literacy programs or special education tracking, the Data Hub is now a vital part of how education works across Michigan.
Success Factors
- Sustained legislative support: Ongoing investment tied to clear goals and measurable outcomes.
- Strong local partnerships: Intermediate School Districts built trust and capacity across districts statewide.
- Practical, value-driven tools: Demonstrated immediate impact in classrooms.
- Data aligned to state priorities: The system supported key initiatives, including literacy screening and student support funding.
- Clear return on investment: Independent analysis showed the system saved money while improving outcomes.
Lessons Learned
- Scaling takes time: Trust had to be built through steady progress and proven results.
- Local leadership is essential: Top-down mandates weren’t enough, engaged regional leaders drove adoption.
- Tailored solutions matter: Building on top of the Ed-Fi Data Standard meant Michigan could support local needs with both flexibility and extensibility.
- Transparency builds trust: Sharing updates with legislators and partners kept support strong.
Use Cases
- MiRead: Helps educators support students with dyslexia by tracking assessments, generating compliance documents, and offering targeted instructional strategies.
- Snack-Pack: Simplifies student data transfers when families move, reducing learning disruption.
- Special Population Support: Tracks services and resources for students needing extra support, helping schools comply with requirements and deliver timely help.
Conclusion
Michigan’s experience highlights how statewide, real-time data systems can work and deliver real value in classrooms. By combining strong leadership, trusted local partnerships, and a clear focus on educator needs, the Michigan Data Hub has become a model for sustainable, scalable education data reform.
Other states looking to modernize their data system can learn from Michigan’s commitment to collaboration, cost-efficiency, and tools that benefit students and educators alike.
