The University of Arkansas’s Arkansas Policy Lab (APL) and Office for Education Policy (OEP) are research-practice partnerships dedicated to using data and evidence to inform policy and improve outcomes in education, workforce development, and health. By working with state agencies, policymakers, and researchers, APL and OEP aim to enhance decision-making through high-quality, data-driven insights. Arkansas’s Data Ecosystem and Key Datasets Arkansas has made significant investments in improving data accessibility and integration across state agencies, providing a strong foundation for cross-sector policy research. APL and OEP collaborate with state partners to utilize linked datasets, including: • K-12 and Higher Education Data: Longitudinal student records tracking enrollment, achievement, and postsecondary outcomes. • Workforce Data: Employment records linked to education history, offering insights into job placements and economic mobility. • Health and Social Services Data: Medicaid claims, all-payer claims databases, and other health indicators, supporting research on education and health connections. • Teacher Workforce Data: Personnel records covering recruitment, retention, salaries, and professional development. • Early Childhood and Social Services Data: Information from programs such as SNAP, TANF, and child welfare services, enabling research on social determinants of education and health. These datasets support evidence-based policy research that can improve services and outcomes for Arkansans. Core Functions of APL and OEP APL and OEP serve as key resources for applied policy research in Arkansas, focusing on: • Building partnerships with state agencies, non-profits, and university researchers to address pressing policy challenges. • Developing shared research agendas aligned with state priorities to guide long-term policy improvements. • Facilitating secure data access while ensuring ethical and responsible data use. • Conducting high-impact research that generates actionable recommendations for policymakers and practitioners. • Translating research findings into policy solutions through reports, briefings, and stakeholder engagement. Impact and Future Directions APL and OEP provide Arkansas with the capacity to transition from reactive decision-making to a structured, data-driven continuous improvement process. By leveraging university expertise and the state’s growing data infrastructure, these initiatives enhance research capacity and policy effectiveness in education, workforce, and health. To expand their impact, APL and OEP are pursuing additional funding from philanthropic organizations and federal grants, ensuring continued support for high-quality research that informs policy and improves outcomes for Arkansans.

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