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 (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 6, 2021: CBEDS Information Day
October 29, 2021: 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 2021 (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 2021 – CDIF and SIF (DOCX)
2021 file specification for importing CDIF and SIF data into the CBEDS-ORA.
CBEDS File Import Specifications 2021 – DOCS (DOCX)
2021 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.

Forms

County/District Information Form 2021 – CDIF (PDF)
School Information Form 2021 – SIF (PDF)
District of Choice Supplemental 2021 – DOCS (PDF)
Earlier Documents: CBEDS manuals (from 1979 onward) and other CBEDS archived material (including old forms from 1999 onward), are available electronically by contacting the CBEDS Team at cbeds@cde.ca.gov.

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.