California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS)

This page provides information about CBEDS, an annual collection of district and school information used for state and federal reporting.

The California Basic Educational Data System (CBEDS) is an annual data collection administered in October. CBEDS data are reported through an Online Reporting Application called CBEDS-ORA. The purpose of CBEDS is to collect data about schools and districts, as well as some aggregate data on students and staff.

The CBEDS data collection is comprised of a County/District Information Form (CDIF), a School Information Form (SIF), and a District of Choice Supplemental (DOCS). The CDIF is used to collect data specific to districts and county offices on the number of classified staff, estimated number of teacher hires, and work visa applications. The SIF is used to collect data specific to schools on the number of classified staff, kindergarten program type, educational calendars, and work visa applications (for charter schools). The DOCS is used to collect District of Choice transfer information and is only required for districts participating in the District of Choice program.

Important Dates

October 7, 2020: CBEDS Information Day
October 30, 2020: CBEDS data are due to the California Department of Education (CDE)

CBEDS-ORA

The CBEDS-ORA allows CBEDS coordinators to:

Submit SIF, CDIF, and DOCS data to the CDE
Update CBEDS coordinator contact information
Obtain a list of schools that are expected to submit CBEDS data

Resources

Instructional Resources

CBEDS Administrative Manual October 2020 (DOCX)
CBEDS Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to frequently asked questions about the CBEDS data collection.
District of Choice
Information on the District of Choice program, which allows local educational agencies (LEAs) to accept student transfers under the "District of Choice" provisions.

CBEDS-ORA Resources

CBEDS File Import Specifications 2020 – CDIF and SIF (DOCX; Revised 21-Aug-2020)
2020 file specification for importing CDIF and SIF data into the CBEDS-ORA.
CBEDS File Import Specifications 2020 – DOCS (DOCX)
2020 file specification for importing DOCS data into the CBEDS-ORA.
CBEDS-ORA Quick Guide
Brief step-by-step instructions on how to use the CBEDS-ORA.
CBEDS-ORA Glossary and Instructions
Links to glossary and instructions on how to report CBEDS data by section.
CBEDS-ORA Version History

Prior Year (2019) File Import Specifications

CBEDS File Import Specifications 2019 – CDIF and SIF (DOCX)
Prior Year (2019) file specifications for importing SIF and CDIF data into the CBEDS-ORA.
CBEDS File Import Specifications 2019 – DOCS (DOCX)
Prior Year (2019) file specifications for importing DOCS data into the CBEDS-ORA.

Forms

Training

CBEDS training is provided to CBEDS coordinators in video format consisting of a Microsoft PowerPoint presentation with voice-over narration. Click on the training link below to view the video. Please allow approximately forty minutes for the training.