Universal File FormatAccountability Programs :

This page contains information about the District Student Results (DSR) Universal File Format.  The purpose of the Universal File Format is to simplify the importation of data for the various test administrations.  The single file format replaces several formats used in previous years by different vendors.  Starting in 2003-2004, the test data will be the same format regardless of vendor, test, grade, or subject. The only changes in future years, and there won't be many, will be additions or changes in the meaning of the codes (e.g., adding “ALT= student took the Alternate Assessment”) or the use of a particular field. 

Data from years before 2003-2004 can only be imported into files specially configured for a particular vendor, test, grade, or subject. Those files will be added below as they become available.

Each Universal File Format includes, besides the layout of student test data, sample content by test, label abbreviations and definitions, and directions for importing data from a CD.  For help with using the DSR file see the Minnesota Interpretive Guide, available on the main Assessments web page.  A tutorial is also available on the Professional Development page.