The NCES Data Analysis System: Public Access to Restricted-Use Data

• Activity Number: 642
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Thursday, August 4, 2011 : 10:30 AM to 12:20 PM
• Sponsor: Section on Government Statistics
• Author(s): J. Neil Russell*+
• Companies: National Center for Education Statistics
• Keywords: Restricted-use Data ; Confidentiality ; Data Access ; Data Analysis System

Abstract

The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) does not release certain databases as public-use microdata files (PUMF) but disseminates them through NCES's web based Data Analysis System (DAS). The NCES DAS is a mature model for public access to restricted-use data. The DAS allows users to construct queries that produce tables of estimates and regression models. The user views the statistical output within the web browser. In disseminating output based on restricted-use data, NCES must balance access to the data (query space and statistical tools) and data protections to prevent disclosures of confidential information. This paper will examine the DAS's statistical tools and query space as provided to the user and how data protection methods are applied. The paper will further provide an overview of findings from a NCES Task Force that recently assessed the NCES DAS for data protection and meeting users' data and statistical needs.