Frequently Asked Questions
About data.ed.gov
What is data.ed.gov?
How is data.ed.gov different?
How do I use data.ed.gov?
Data Questions
What data sets are currently on data.ed.gov?
Can I download the raw data sets that data.ed.gov uses?
When I apply filters, the pie chart/bar chart to the right of the map does not change. Why?
Why are some fields in application profiles listed as errors?
I cannot find my application listed when I use the filtering function. Why?
Support
Is there support available for data.ed.gov users?
Is data.ed.gov accessible for people with disabilities?
About data.ed.gov
What is data.ed.gov?
Data.ed.gov is a website developed by the Department of Education (ED) to share data about its grant programs and is part of the Obama Administration’s Open Government Initiative. ED will use data.ed.gov to publish data sets about its grant programs and performance and other data that it collects on an ongoing basis.
To learn more about the Open Government Initiative, click here.
How is data.ed.gov different?
Data.ed.gov builds on the approach of data.gov by including tools that allow users to visualize the data. These tools include mapping, graphing and charting, and data exporting that let all users engage meaningfully with the data while allowing advanced users to download the data and analyze it on their own.
How do I use data.ed.gov?
Data.ed.gov was designed to be more user-friendly than traditional data sites. There are several simple ways to get started, and we hope you will explore different ways to use the site and suggest ways that we can improve the site on an ongoing basis.
Searching
Users can enter terms into the “Search” field to find applications that match the specified terms. For example, a user may enter “Milwaukee” to see all the applications submitted by organizations in the city of Milwaukee. Users may search the following data using the search field:
- Organization name
- Organization city, state, and ZIP code
- Project name
Users may also search the “Budget partners” field to find all the applications on which a particular organization is listed as an official partner.
Filtering
Users can select filters to narrow the list of applicants to a specific group of interest. They may select a specific state as well as any combination of absolute priorities, competitive preference priorities, applicant types, and grant types.
Mapping
Users can find applications by zooming in on different areas of the map by using the navigation buttons on the left side of the map. By clicking on the dots on the map, users can see which applications they represent and click on the links to the detailed views of the applications; where there are multiple applications from the same geographical area, the different applications are listed.
Users can also select different visual “layers” on the map. The default “layer” shows state boundaries, but users can also turn on/off a Congressional District “layer” by clicking on the box in the upper right corner of the map and selecting “Congressional Districts”.
Analyzing
Users can analyze aggregate data using the pie chart and bar chart on the right side of the page. By selecting different options from the drop-down menu, users can change what type of information is shown and how it aggregates.
Users can also download data from data.ed.gov (see Data Questions) and analyze the data using other software packages.
Data Questions
What data sets are currently on data.ed.gov?
Data.ed.gov is launching with data about the Investing in Innovation Fund (i3), a grant program funded as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The data are records of applicants to the program and will allow users to see whether organizations in their area have applied for i3 funding.
ED plans to follow the launch of i3 data with additional data sets about other programs of broad interest, including the Promise Neighborhoods program. ED will move quickly to include even more data sets on the site, allowing users to take advantage of the tools on data.ed.gov for a growing number of grant programs and other education data sets.
Can I download the raw data sets that data.ed.gov uses?
Yes, you can download the raw data sets and use them to perform analyses not currently available on data.ed.gov. To download a data set, select the filters you wish to use – if you wish to download the entire data set do not select any filters – and then press “Apply”.
Once the table has been generated, you may click on the button beneath the table to download the records listed as a comma separated values files (which can be opened using Microsoft Excel and other standard spreadsheet programs). The file generated will include the entire record for each application, not just the Project Title, Organization, and Organization City as listed in the table above.
When I apply filters, the pie chart/bar chart to the right of the map does not change. Why?
The charts to the right of the map are calculated independently of what shows up on the map, so updating the filters that apply to the map does not change the data calculated in the charts. You may change the data calculated in the charts by selecting a different calculation using the drop-down menus embedded in the charts.
Why are some fields in application profiles listed as errors?
Some i3 applications included conflicting information on the information sheet that was part of the application package. Where these errors occurred – for example, selecting more than one absolute priority – we have identified the error and list the error in the application profile
.
I cannot find my application listed when I use the filtering function. Why?
Some i3 applications included conflicting information on the information sheet that was part of the application package. Where these errors occurred – for example, selecting more than one absolute priority – the application is excluded from any of the filters specific to that error. However, the application should still appear if all filters are turned off.
Support
Is there support available for data.ed.gov users?
The best method to report a problem, ask a question, or suggest improvements on data.ed.gov is to use our feedback form. The question or message will be forwarded to the best person to handle the matter. While we will be as responsive as possible, we cannot guarantee a response to feedback submitted. For general questions about the Department of Education, please call:
- Phone: 1-800-USA-LEARN (1-800-872-5327), Spanish speakers available (se habla español)
- TTY: 1-800-437-0833
Is data.ed.gov accessible for people with disabilities?
Data.ed.gov complies with all the checkpoints of the Section 508 Accessibility Guidelines, and has been verified using automated tools and expert reviews. However, if users experience accessibility problems, please report them using our feedback form and we will address them as soon as possible.