Student Identifier

Definition: A number assigned to a student for tracking purposes.

What This Means: All states have accepted the reality that a permanent identifier is necessary to manage the education records of all students statewide. Although the Social Security Number is still used in a few states, all newer systems rely upon random or algorithmic numbers. (See our Optimal Reference Guides, “Statewide Student Identifier Systems” and “Requirements for an RFP for Student Identifiers” at www.espsg.com/resources)

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