Secondary School Course Classification System: School Codes for the Exchange of Data (SCED). NCES 2007-341

This handbook presents a taxonomy and course descriptions for secondary education. The system is intended to help schools and education agencies maintain longitudinal information about students' coursework in an efficient, standardized format that facilitates the exchange of records as students transfer from one school to another, or to postsecondary education. Education agencies and institutions collect and maintain information to help the education system function efficiently and effectively. Standardized data available to education agency officials can: (1) assist in the development of sound educational policies at all levels; (2) improve the quality of instruction and boost student achievement; (3) help compare information among communities and among states; (4) improve the accuracy and timeliness of nationwide summaries of information about education systems; (5) improve the quality and significance of education research--locally, statewide, and nationwide; and (6) enhance reporting to the public about the condition and progress of education. It is the intent of this handbook to provide educators and data managers with a tool that will support decision-making in these ways. Appendices include: (1) Development of SCED; and (2) List of SCED Course Titles, in numeric order. (Contains 6 exhibits and 7 footnotes.)