Skip to main content
California Department of Education Logo

Instructions: Preloaded Data Types

Definitions for the preloaded data types used in the 2023–24 Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS).

The following terminology describes and differentiates various types of pre-loaded data that can be found in certain Consolidated Application and Reporting System (CARS) data collection forms.

Displayed Data

Displayed data can be calculated data or data referenced from another data collection form which cannot be edited by the local educational agency (LEA) user. An example of a calculated displayed data field is “Total expenditures.” An example of a referenced displayed data field from another data collection form is “Transferred-in amount”.

Displayed data can also be source data from outside of CARS which cannot be edited by the LEA user. An example of source data is the allocation amount. If an LEA believes the displayed allocation data needs to be changed, then the LEA must speak to the program contact noted on the data collection form and/or to the appropriate California Department of Education (CDE) fiscal services staff member. However, even if the data are revised by the program or fiscal contact, there may be occasions when the data cannot be changed within CARS while data collection forms are open.

Other examples of non-editable displayed source data are LEA names and County-District-School (CDS) codes, all of which are sourced directly from the CDS database and cannot be manually changed in CARS. If a change to this type of data is needed, then the LEA must contact the CDE CDS Administration office by email at cdsadmin@cde.ca.gov or by phone at 916-327-4014. CDS Administration resources can also be reviewed on the CDE County-District-School Administration web page.
Pre-populated Data

Pre-populated data is data that was brought forward from another data collection form which can be edited by the LEA user. Pre-populated data are brought forward with the initial opening of a data collection form. Once the data collection form is saved, the system will not bring forward the pre-populated data again. A current example of editable pre-populated data can be found in the fields of the Title I, Part A Notification of Authorization of Schoolwide Program data collection form, which will display data that was certified in the same data collection form from the prior fiscal year.

Back to Table of Contents

Previous | Next

Questions:   ConApp Support Desk | conappsupport@cde.ca.gov | 916-319-0297
Last Reviewed: Tuesday, May 28, 2024
Recently Posted in Allocations & Apportionments
  • EPA Payment Letter, FY 25–26 Q1 (added 09-Sep-2025)
    First Quarter Apportionment for the Education Protection Account, Fiscal Year 2025–26.
  • Education Protection Account, Fiscal Year 2025–26 (added 09-Sep-2025)
    Distribution of 2025–26 Education Protection Account (EPA) funds to local educational agencies (LEA) in accordance with Section 36 of Article XIII of the Constitution of the State of California.
  • LtrFinAdj-24: State Special Schools (added 20-Aug-2025)
    Letter for final adjustment to the School District Principal Apportionment for Student Attendance in State Special Schools in fiscal year 2024-25.
  • Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative (added 20-Aug-2025)
    Funding for the Sacramento County Office of Education to continue providing services for the Children and Youth Behavioral Health Initiative pursuant to California Welfare and Institutions Code Section 5961.
  • Student Support and Professional Development FAQs (added 15-Aug-2025)
    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and answers regarding funding for the Student Support and Professional Development Discretionary Block Grant (SSPDBG).