Nancy Smith, CEO and principal consultant with DataSmith Solutions, LLC, helps state, regional, and national education organizations improve the development and use of statewide longitudinal data systems. Dr. Smith specializes in developing data governance programs for intra- and interagency data sharing, analysis and reporting across the early childhood, K-12, and postsecondary education sectors, and she provides professional development training on data governance, privacy, analysis and reporting. Dr. Smith conducts needs assessment surveys and focus groups concerning data capacity, strategic planning, data system management processes and procedures, and communication activities. She has developed data governance program documents and professional development materials on data systems, governance, and use for many clients.

Before founding DataSmith Solutions, Dr. Smith directed the Longitudinal Data Systems Initiatives program at the U.S. Department of Education’s National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). In this capacity, she oversaw the Statewide Longitudinal Data System Grant program and the development of Common Education Data Standards and the Privacy Technical Assistance Center. Prior to joining NCES, she served as a consultant on longitudinal data systems to states, advocacy organizations, and NCES. She was also a founding partner and deputy director of the Data Quality Campaign. Dr. Smith’s experience with longitudinal data dates back to her tenure at the Texas Education Agency and work with Just for the Kids/National Center for Educational Achievement.

She earned her doctorate at The University of Texas at Austin in Educational Psychology with an emphasis on quantitative methods. She also holds a B.B.A. from Stephen F. Austin State University in Business Management. Her many publications include Leveraging the Power of State Longitudinal Data Systems: Building Capacity to Turn Data into Useful Information; State Data Systems: What Is Needed for Next-Generation Assessment and Accountability Systems; and The Third Wave of Longitudinal Data Systems: Data Partnerships. Dr. Smith is a frequent presenter at conferences.

Areas of Expertise

• data governance
• longitudinal data systems
• needs assessment
• survey instrument development
• statistical analysis, data collection, and data programming