State law directs the Center to use the MLDS to conduct research to improve the State’s education system and guide decision making by state and local governments, educational agencies, institutions, teachers, and other education professionals. All research and analysis that uses the MLDS must be consistent with the Governing Board’s Research Agenda. The Center develops an Annual Research and Reporting Priorities, which outlines the work the Center staff and the Research Branch will undertake during the current fiscal year. In addition, researchers (both from Maryland research institutions and nationally) may apply to use the MLDS for their research project – provided that the work provides information to help inform Maryland education policy. A list of ongoing projects can be found here.

Center output comes in many different forms, including dashboards, Center reports, research reports and research presentations. The public may also make data requests if the content currently available does not address their needs.