Chapter Contents
The Institute of Education Sciences (IES) collects survey and research data containing individually identifiable information, which is confidential and protected by law.
IES uses the term "restricted-use data" for such information. The terms restricted-use data and "subject data" are synonymous. (See appendix A, Definition of Terms.)
IES uses the term "public-use data" for survey data when the individually identifiable information has been coded or deleted to protect the confidentiality of survey respondents. Access to public-use data does not require a license. It is available to the general public. For more information on public-use data, see NCES online catalog.
IES will lend restricted-use data only to qualified organizations in the United States, using a strict licensing process described in chapter 2. Individual researchers must apply through an organization (e.g., a university, a research institution). To qualify, an organization must submit:
Restricted-use data must be SAFE at all times. SAFE means that the data are secure from unauthorized disclosure in accordance with the license and specified Security Procedures. The Security Procedures described in chapter 3 include the computer security requirements for the standalone Computer SAFE model.
Under the terms of the license, IES has the right to conduct unannounced, unscheduled inspections of the data user's site to assess compliance with the provisions of the license, the Security Procedures, and the Licensee's security plan. The inspection procedures are described in chapter 4.