Events

“Expanding Data Partnerships: Insights from Health and Human Services” Webinar 4 Creating Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) That Provide Useful Information Series

Webinar 4: Expanding Data Partnerships: Insights from Health & Human Services

January 28, 2026 | 10:00–11:00am PST | 1:00–2:00pm ET

As states work to improve educational outcomes and child wellbeing, many are discovering that education data alone is not enough. Health and human services agencies have long experience sharing sensitive data securely and their approaches offer valuable lessons for SLDS leaders.

In this session of the Creating Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) That Provide Useful Information webinar series, panelists from Iowa, Connecticut, and North Carolina will discuss how their cross-sector data partnerships have evolved and what education leaders can learn from health and human services systems.

What You’ll Learn

• How health and human services agencies approach cross-sector data sharing
• Strategies for expanding SLDS governance and legal frameworks
• Practical examples of integrating new data sources
• Lessons for supporting students, families, and communities through integrated data

Audience: Policy leaders, SLDS staff, data analysts, researchers, and education, workforce, and human services agency staff.

Register today to learn how cross-sector partnerships can help make SLDS more responsive and impactful.

Register Now

From AI Risk to AI Readiness

Leading Together 30 Minute Webinar Series: From AI Risk to AI Readiness

January 15, 2026 | 3:00–3:30pm ET | 12:00–12:30pm PT

Education leaders face mounting pressure to adopt AI, but where should they start? This session provides a roadmap from assessing risks to building institutional readiness for responsible AI integration.

Artificial intelligence offers significant potential for education, yet many leaders struggle with implementation decisions.

This webinar addresses critical questions about AI readiness, from evaluating institutional capacity to understanding fine-tuning options for large language models. WestEd experts will share frameworks for assessing your organization’s preparedness, protecting student data, and determining when customization makes sense.

Explore real considerations for AI integration, including cost analysis, technical requirements, and governance structures. Whether you’re beginning your AI journey or refining existing strategies, this session provides actionable guidance for responsible implementation that aligns with educational goals and protects learner privacy.

Who Should Attend

• District and state education technology leaders
• School and district administrators evaluating AI tools
• Instructional technology coordinators
• Data privacy officers and compliance staff
• Education policymakers and researchers
• Technology vendors serving education markets

Session Discussion Topics

• AI Readiness Assessment—Evaluate your institution’s technical infrastructure, data governance, and organizational capacity to support AI integration. Understand the key questions to ask before adopting AI tools.
• Fine-Tuning of Large Language Models for Education—Explore when and why organizations might customize AI models. Learn about different fine-tuning approaches, from prompt engineering to full model retraining, and the resources each requires.
• Privacy, Ethics, and Governance—Address critical considerations for protecting student data, ensuring equitable access, and establishing oversight structures. Review practical strategies for responsible AI use.
• Cost and Resource Analysis—Understand the financial and technical investments required for various AI implementation approaches. Compare off-the-shelf solutions with customization options to determine the right fit.

“Maximizing the Power of Research & Analytics” Webinar 3 Creating Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) That Provide Useful Information Series

Webinar 3: Maximizing the Power of Research & Analytics

December 17, 2025 | 1:00–2:00pm EST | 10:00–11:00am PST

In this third session of the Creating Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) That Provide Useful Information series, state leaders will explore how modern SLDS can securely expand access to linked data and enable more meaningful analyses that help leaders understand long-term outcomes and the impact of critical public investments.

What You Will Learn

• Secure access models that enable approved research and insights
• Governance and privacy strategies for responsible analytics
• Real-world state examples showing improved time-to-insight for policymakers

Attendees will leave with a roadmap for improving research access and leveraging analytics to support policy, evaluation, and operational efficiency.

Audience: Data experts, policymakers, agency leaders, analysts, and SLDS teams

“Empowering Individuals with Data” Webinar 2 Creating Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) That Provide Useful Information Series

Webinar 2: “Empowering Individuals with Data”

📅 November 21, 2025

Time: 1:00pm – 2:00pm EST; 10:00am – 11:00am PST

How can data systems empower individuals to navigate college and career choices?

In this session of the Creating Statewide Longitudinal Data Systems (SLDS) That Provide Useful Information series, presenters will explore how SLDS can be used to empower students, families, and practitioners with real-time, actionable data.

Learn how Californians are using tools such as the Cradle to Career Data System and California College Guidance Initiative to streamline processes like college applications and financial aid, identify opportunities for dual enrollment, and better connect learners to education and workforce pathways.

What You’ll Learn:

• How to design data tools that provide personalized information and services
• Strategies to strengthen cross-sector collaboration and privacy protections
• Real-world state examples of systems that simplify decision-making for individuals

Expected Outcomes:
Participants will leave with a roadmap for using SLDS to support individuals and communities—helping turn data access into data empowerment.

Audience:
Data experts, policymakers, agency leaders, analysts, and SLDS teams.

Access, Disclosure, and Use of Federal Student Aid Data

📅 Wednesday, November 13, 2024
🕐 9:00 AM PT / 12:00 PM ET
⏱️ 1 Hour Live Webinar

Watch here!

The U.S. Department of Education’s GENERAL-24-129 guidance clarifies how institutions and agencies can access, disclose, and use FAFSA data. Join DISC’s Baron Rodriguez for an essential webinar unpacking our comprehensive FAQ that addresses your most pressing compliance questions.

This timely session will help you:

• Understand which regulatory framework (FERPA, HEA, or Privacy Act) applies to your specific use cases
• Navigate the new clarifications on using FAFSA data for research and workforce outcome evaluation
• Implement compliant data-sharing practices with third parties and SLDS partners
• Leverage allowable exceptions to support student success initiatives without requiring consent
• Avoid common compliance pitfalls and prohibited uses

Who Should Attend:

• State education agency staff and SLDS administrators
• Institutional researchers and financial aid administrators
• Data governance and compliance officers
• Community college and university leadership
• K-12 and workforce development partners
• Legal counsel supporting education agencies