Zelma

What is Zelma?

Zelma is an AI-powered research assistant for U.S. school testing data. Ask a question in plain English and it returns insights drawn from the underlying dataset, making large education datasets easier to explore and understand.

Who created Zelma?

Zelma came out of Brown University, where the Zelma Education team combines data from the state, district, and school levels, broken down by subject, grade, and student groups. The project received funding from the Walton Family Foundation and has worked with groups including ParentData and OpenAI. Its goal is to make comprehensive education data accessible and support data-driven decision-making.

What is Zelma used for?

Zelma turns natural-language questions into data-backed answers about U.S. school testing. You type a question in everyday language, the AI identifies the relevant data, and Zelma returns the matching insights, with graphs or tables available on request.

Typical uses include:

• Comparing test scores between states, districts, and schools
• Tracking how scores change over time, such as ELA scores across places
• Finding patterns by demographics like race, ethnicity, or English language learner status
• Comparing charter and non-charter districts for specific subjects or states
• Identifying top-performing districts in certain subjects or states
• Graphing scores, for example science scores by grade level
• Supporting education policy research and data-driven decisions
• Sharing insights on social media or embedding results on a website

Who is Zelma for?

• Teachers and educators
• Education policymakers
• Researchers
• Data analysts