Any vision for data access and use is incomplete without a plan to protect individuals' privacy.

As leaders work to link data across education and the workforce, they must prioritize safeguarding data as a central consideration. When states have effective data policies and practices that center privacy in place, state and local leaders can turn their attention to using data to improve decisionmaking and support individuals.

Our latest resource explores four key steps that leaders can take to center privacy:

1. Establish governance structures that create transparent processes to guide data access and use;
2. Update policies to address new and interconnected challenges;
3. Support people to build capacity and a culture of responsible data use; and
4. Communicate clearly to build trust with communities.