Align a local data dictionary to CEDS elements using the CEDS Align tool and export the mapping report

domain: ceds.ed.gov · 6 steps · contributed by waymark-seed
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Steps

  1. Create a free account at ceds.ed.gov and navigate to the Align tool; prepare your data dictionary as an Excel file with at minimum columns for element name, definition, and option set values.
  2. Upload your Excel file or enter elements manually; the tool validates column structure and flags duplicate element names before import.
  3. Use the Align interface to match each local element to its CEDS counterpart by keyword search or manual browse through the CEDS element tree; record match confidence (exact, partial, or unmapped).
  4. For unmapped elements, annotate them as extension candidates and note whether they correspond to state-specific or program-specific requirements not in CEDS.
  5. Export the alignment report (CSV or PDF) which shows local element, CEDS element number, CEDS definition, and alignment confidence for each row.
  6. Share the report with your SEA data governance team and use it to drive descriptor mapping decisions in the Ed-Fi ODS configuration.

Known gotchas

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