2. Category Facts
The SLDS:
Is an easy to use, web-based tool to track students
from Pre-K to employment through post-
employment training
Provides a way to measure outcomes and
correlate data
Will make it easier for business and industry to
find information needed to make decisions
Is a one-stop shop that will be live on 7/1/2013
3. Product/Service Issues
The SLDS provides:
A snapshot of information on degrees and
wages, in context
Information that can be used by policymakers
when making performance-based budgeting
decisions and planning economic development
initiatives
Information that can be used by education leaders
when making curriculum and program
development plans, forecasting enrollment or
developing remediation plans
4. Competitive Facts
Competitor websites include:
State agency websites
Federal government websites
Beyond what these provide, SLDS provides:
Linking, context, accuracy
Information from early childhood to workforce
Frequent updates
5. Customer Facts
Primary Customers:
Educators (Pre-K-20)
Policymakers
Business Sector
Owners, economic developers and site selectors
Secondary Customers:
Media
Researchers
Public and parents
6. Business Objectives
The objectives of the SLDS are to:
Provide a one-stop shop for information
Provide context for information on all levels of
education and workforce
Improve the educational system
Improve economic development
Improve the quality of life in Mississippi
7. Role of Communications
Drive users to the site
Inform users on:
What the system is
How the system is new and unique
How the system is an improvement over previous
systems
How to use the site
How the site helps make Mississippi better
Dispel fears that the system represents “Big
Brother”
8. Audiences
Target Audience Current Mindset Desired Mindset
Educators May or may not be aware View it as a tool to drive
Unnecessary duplication decisions, improve
Policymakers May or may not be aware Connect decisions made
View data as inaccurate to outcomes achieved
Business Sector Believe there is no central View it as a one-stop
location for information shop for accurate info
Researchers Believe it is an enormous View it as a one-stop
task to gather data shop for quick access
Public/Parents Feel insecure about Miss. Believe Miss. Has capable
Give mixed reviews workforce
Media Focus on the “gotcha” Shape stories in positive
stories manner
9. Key Messages
The information contained in the system can be
used to improve the quality of life in Mississippi.
The site demonstrates the relationship between
education and economic development.
The system is a resource that provides
information from many agencies in one online
source.
The data contained in the system is accurate and
provided in context.
The SLDS is a tool to gain data to drive decisions.
The SLDS is secure and protects personal data.
