> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.goguardian.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Connect External Data Sources to Data Studio

> Import benchmark assessments, state test results, and attendance data into Data Studio to combine them with Pear Assessment results for district reporting.

Data Studio can display external data alongside Pear Assessment results. External data falls into two categories: assessment data (state tests, third-party benchmarks) and attendance data. Both are imported using a file upload process. This article covers how to prepare, upload, and verify each type.

## Before You Start

* You must have the Data Operations permission in Pear Assessment. See [Set Up Data Studio for Your District](/products/pear-assessment/set-up-data-studio).
* External data is matched to students in Pear Assessment using a student ID field. Confirm which student ID your district uses in Pear Assessment before preparing your import file. Common options include a state student ID (SASID), a local student ID (LASID), or a district-assigned ID.

## Import External Assessment Data

Pear Assessment accepts external assessment data in CSV format. Supported sources include state assessments (CAASPP, STAAR, PARCC, NWEA MAP, iReady, and others) as long as the data is formatted to match the required template.

### Prepare the Import File

1. In Pear Assessment, go to **Data Studio** and open **Data Import**.
2. Click **New Import** and select **External Assessment Data**.
3. Select the feed type that matches your data source. The feed type determines which column template applies.
4. Download the template for that feed type.
5. Format your data to match the template:
   * The student ID column must use the same ID format stored in Pear Assessment for each student.
   * Date fields must use the format specified in the template (typically YYYY-MM-DD).
   * The session value field (for example, Fall, Winter, Spring) must be consistent in capitalization and spelling. "Fall" and "fall" are treated as different sessions.
6. Save the file as CSV.

### Upload the File

1. In **Data Import**, click **Upload File** and select your prepared CSV.
2. Map the columns if prompted.
3. Click **Submit**.

The import status column shows Processing, Complete, or Failed.

* **Processing:** Large files can take up to 2 hours. Do not reupload a file that is still processing — duplicate records will result.
* **Complete:** Data is available in Data Studio reports. Allow up to 24 hours for data to appear in all reports.
* **Failed:** Open the error log next to the upload for specific row-level errors. Common causes include student ID mismatches, unsupported date formats, and duplicate session values.

## Import Attendance Data

Attendance data is imported from your SIS or attendance system in CSV format.

1. In **Data Import**, click **New Import** and select **Attendance Data**.
2. Download the attendance template.
3. Format your attendance file:
   * Include one row per student per day.
   * Use the same student ID format as your assessment imports.
   * Include date, attendance status (Present, Absent, Tardy), and school identifier columns as specified in the template.
4. Upload the file and confirm the import completes successfully.

Attendance data feeds may be set up as a recurring import or uploaded manually. For automated daily attendance feeds from your SIS, contact Pear Assessment support to configure a data feed connection.

## Verify Data Appears in Reports

After a successful import:

1. Open the **Performance Trends** or **Whole Learner** report.
2. Use **Select Tests** to include the external assessment you imported.
3. Confirm student records appear with scores from the imported source.

If data does not appear after 24 hours, check the import status and review the error log. See [Why Data Is Missing or Doesn't Match Expectations in Data Studio](/products/pear-assessment/data-studio-troubleshoot-missing-data) for a full diagnostic guide.

## Related Articles

* [Data Studio Report Capabilities](/products/pear-assessment/data-studio-report-capabilities)
* [Why Data Is Missing or Doesn't Match Expectations in Data Studio](/products/pear-assessment/data-studio-troubleshoot-missing-data)
* [Set Up Data Studio for Your District](/products/pear-assessment/set-up-data-studio)