Key Takeaways:
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A simpler way to manage roster data: The OneRoster support in the Ed-Fi ODS/API provides a consistent way to share data across systems, improving accuracy and reducing duplicate work.
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Clear benefits for educators: States gain visibility into roster data, districts and teachers get faster access to tools with accurate rosters on day one, and vendors build once instead of for each system.
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Now is the time to act: Organizations that start early can simplify integrations, reduce setup work, and connect digital tools faster.
1EdTech and the Ed-Fi Alliance are enabling states, districts, and providers to connect student data across systems by delivering a single, standards-based integration through the Ed-Fi ODS/API.
OneRoster® support in the Ed-Fi ODS/API (native OneRoster API) replaces custom integrations and spreadsheets with a consistent, standards-based method. Systems can share data the same way across tools, which reduces setup time and limits errors before they reach classrooms.
With the native OneRoster API, teachers and students start with accurate class rosters on day one. Educators can take attendance, assign work, and track progress without delays or manual fixes. Schools can also connect new digital tools in days instead of weeks, so classrooms can quickly benefit from putting them into action.
Introducing OneRoster Support in the Ed-Fi ODS/API
Available now in the Ed-Fi ODS/API 7.3.2 release, the native OneRoster API combines the Ed-Fi Data Standard and 1EdTech’s OneRoster 1.2 standard to consistently and securely share core student and class data with learning tools. This means:
- A simpler, more consistent way to manage rostering
- Systems stay in sync through a single, reliable connection
- One implementation that can be reused across multiple systems
With this new approach, agencies can use the data they already manage in the Ed-Fi ODS/API to easily and consistently share rostering information with digital tools. It simplifies setup by consolidating everything into a single, secure access point and making it easier for teams and vendors to find, connect to, and test the data they need. Shared governance and certification ensure data stays accurate and consistent across systems.
The solution in action
States across the country are beginning to adopt a shared approach to rostering data.
Tennessee is using vendor-supported, cloud-based services to simplify coordination of tools across Student Information Systems.
“The solution gives us a common language, allowing our systems to work seamlessly together, reducing administrative burden and freeing educators to focus on student outcomes," said Vijay Gollapudi, CIO for the Tennessee Department of Education. “When fully implemented, we expect faster tool onboarding, fewer data errors, and a unified view of student data that empowers smarter decisions at every level.”
Delaware is using Classlink to manage rostering and data.
“We’re working to make rostering easier and more consistent across the many tools and partners schools rely on,” said Adrian Peoples, Ed.D., Chief Data Officer for the Delaware Department of Education. “By aligning the Ed-Fi API with the OneRoster standard, we’re creating a common foundation that partners like ClassLink can use, helping reduce complexity while still allowing flexibility.”
The joint solution also benefits providers who no longer need to balance two different solutions.
“That’s the real power of this solution. It’s not about choosing one standard over another; instead, it’s about using both together to future-proof your ecosystem, said Patrick Devanney, Senior Vice President of Strategy and Partnerships for Classlink. “For states, that means protecting existing investments and avoiding costly rework. For data hubs, it simplifies governance. For vendors and managed service providers, it creates more predictable integrations and stronger alignment across the market.”
How the native OneRoster API works
The new API connects core data, including students, teachers, classes, and enrollments, so systems stay aligned without manual updates. This approach is designed to:
- Handle large volumes of roster data efficiently
- Allow systems to easily find and use only the data they need
- Work seamlessly with the latest Ed-Fi Technology Suite
- Support common database platforms like PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL Server
What To Do Next
Teams can begin testing and adopting the Ed-Fi ODS/API 7.3.2 release now to take advantage of the native OneRoster API.
Starting early reduces integration work and supports a more consistent approach to rostering, so staff spend less time managing data and more time supporting students.
Suggested next steps:
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States and regional agencies: Identify one integration you can replace with a standard OneRoster endpoint this year.
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Providers: Support OneRoster 1.2 across customers to reduce custom builds.
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Implementers and managed services providers: Test the OneRoster Support in an Ed-Fi ODS/API sandbox and confirm how it fits your current deployment.
The Ed-Fi Alliance and 1EdTech will continue to provide guidance, examples, and implementation support as adoption expands.
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About the Authors
1EdTech CEO Curtiss Barnes has over 30 years of experience in the education industry and expertise in a broad range of enterprise and instructional systems supporting education's core missions. He has held roles at universities, technology start-ups, large enterprise businesses, and courseware and publishing companies. Curtiss holds an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a bachelor’s degree in economics from Clark University.
Sean Casey is Head of Partnerships at the Ed-Fi Alliance, where he works with LEAs, ESAs, and collaboratives to adopt data standards and unlock the full potential of connected data for students. Over the years, Sean has worked as a district CIO and administrator, an educator of secondary students and adult learners, and as a provider of personalized learning, assessment, and teaching software tools. Sean’s sweet spot is innovating with other forward-thinking people and making effective use of emerging technology — while always keeping students at the center.
