The Data Integration Support Center (DISC) at WestEd provides expert user-centered design, planning, policy, privacy, and legal assistance for public agencies nationwide.
Upcoming Events
To increase the use of cross-sector data for evidence and action, the Data Integration Support Center (DISC) and Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP) have partnered to offer Legal Professionals Workshops to Support Data Integration. The series offers free virtual workshops designed to train legal professionals serving local, state, and tribal governments in navigating legal barriers to data sharing and integration.
Explore the workshop series topics and register for a session that fits your needs and interests!
Past Events
Privacy-Enhancing Technologies and Integrated Data Systems
November 20, 2023 | 9:30 a.m. (PT) | 12:30 p.m. (ET) | VIRTUAL
Interested in learning how privacy-enhancing technologies (PETs) can help facilitate secure interagency data sharing? Join a webinar hosted by the Public Interest Privacy Center (PIPC) in partnership with DISC. Data privacy experts Stephanie Straus from the Massive Data Institute and Michael Hawes from the U.S. Census Bureau will discuss the current state of PETs and insights from their related work, followed by time for Q&A.
Record Retention and Integrated Data Systems
November 28, 2023 | 11:00 a.m. (PT) | 2:00 p.m. (ET) | VIRTUAL
Wondering how long to retain data in an integrated data system? Join a webinar hosted by PIPC in partnership with the DISC at WestEd. Data privacy experts Amelia Vance and Morgan Sexton will discuss key considerations for developing data retention policies, followed by time for Q&A. Register to gain valuable insights.
Debunking FERPA myths
October 19 | 9:00 a.m. (PT) | 12:00 p.m. (ET) | VIRTUAL
Join DISC’s partners at AISP and lawyers from the Public Interest Privacy Center (PIPC) for a session on dispelling myths surrounding the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is crucial for safeguarding student information, yet misconceptions about it often get in the way of sharing important information to support families and students. National experts from PIPC, Amelia Vance and Morgan Leftwich, will demystify some of FERPA’s complexities, clarify disclosure limitations, and discuss the impact of the law on data sharing and integration. Attendees will get a refresher on FERPA’s core principles and explore real-world scenarios and use cases. Register here.
Three-Part Webinar Series: Artificial Intelligence–Opportunities and Risks in Education
Join DISC experts at a workshop series hosted by the Region 2, 13, and 15 Comprehensive Centers to share knowledge and support the development of state-level policies for Artificial Intelligence (AI).
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming the way we learn, and it has the potential to transform education at all levels. But AI is not without its risks. It is important to understand the potential opportunities and risks of AI in education so that we can use it responsibly and ethically.
- Session 1, Uncovering the Potential and Risks of AI in SEA Practices, was held on October 6th.
- Session 2: Developing a Cohesive and Comprehensive SEA Approach to AI
October 20 | 9:00 a.m. (PT) | 12:00 p.m. (ET) | VIRTUAL
The second session of this three-part series will support SEAs in thinking about a technology plan that incorporates AI policy by considering their processes to manage, operate, and oversee implementation with a goal of safe, equitable, and effective AI use. - Session 3: Promising SEA Practices in AI Policy and Implementation
November 3 | 9:00 a.m. (PT) | 12:00 p.m. (ET) | VIRTUAL
The final session of this three-part series will highlight ideas in action from SEAs that are developing and implementing AI policies and procedures and engaging interest holders and educational partners with diverse perspectives toward making informed decisions about the deployment of AI.
CCSSO Community of Innovation
October 23-24 | JACKSONVILLE, FL
Join DISC with the Coleridge Initiative and Massive Data Institute for a session on Technical & Legal Conceptual Approaches for Nurturing State Whole Person Data Linkage Efforts.
Last Mile Linkages Workshop: Workforce and Education Connections in IDS
October 24 | JACKSONVILLE, FL
As states and public agencies move to modernize their integrated data systems, they are looking beyond education data to available economic data. Join us as the Data Integration Support Center hosts a workshop on last mile connections efforts to integrate education and workforce data in IDS.
Topics will include state capacity for data linkages, challenges and wins around workforce and other economic data linkages. We will also use this as an opportunity to talk about the support that you can leverage through the capacity and resources offered by DISC and the Coleridge Initiative, as well as helping identify new opportunities for support.
Please register here or contact [email protected] if you are interested in attending this workshop, space is limited.
CCSSO Education Information Management Advisory Collaborative (EIMAC)
October 25-26 | JACKSONVILLE, FL
DISC staff regularly attend collaborative meetings throughout the year. Catch up with us at the October collaborative.
Public Health Law Conference
October 24–26, 2023 | MINNEAPOLIS, MN
As DISC supports data integration across sectors, Laia Tiderman will be representing DISC along with staff from Public Interest Privacy Center (PIPC) and Actionable Intelligence for Social Policy (AISP) at the Public Health Law Conference.