Building a Shared Vocabulary for Data Integration and IDEA

A big theme for us at the Center for the Integration of IDEA Data (CIID), is how to ensure that data systems can communicate using the shared language of the Common Education Data Standard (CEDS). A very important step for connecting data system languages is to make sure that all members of our team are “speaking the same language”.

Collaboration between program staff, data managers, analysts, and IT professionals is essential to improving how IDEA data are collected, integrated, and used. Yet, teams often use the same terms in different ways, different terms to describe similar concepts, or acronyms that are not familiar to everyone. That's why we're excited to introduce the revised CIID Glossary, now housed on Gitbook.

The glossary brings together key terminology from the early intervention, special education, and data integration fields, creating a shared reference point for the staff who contribute to IDEA data systems and reporting. Whether you're discussing data governance, interoperability, child outcomes, or EDFacts files, the glossary helps ensure that everyone is operating with a shared understanding.

In addition to supporting communication across teams, the glossary clarifies how CIID defines and uses technical terms in its work. Consistent definitions help users better understand CIID resources, technical assistance, and data integration approaches.

We invite you to explore the CIID Glossary and use it as a resource for strengthening collaboration, reducing misunderstanding, and building a common understanding of IDEA data and data integration concepts.