The USBE meets this week and there are MANY data sharing agreements on the agenda!

• SEPTEMBER 7, 2023, 9:00 AM to 5:30 PM USBE Building, 250 East 500 South, Salt Lake City. The meeting will be streamed to the public at https://www.youtube.com/c/USBEMedia. Link to Agenda: https://USBE.v8.civicclerk.com/Meetings/Agenda?id=257
• SEPTEMBER 8, 2023, Standing Committees and Study Session, starts at 8:00 AM. The meeting will be streamed to the public at https://www.youtube.com/c/USBEMedia. Link to Agenda: https://USBE.v8.civicclerk.com/Meetings/Agenda?id=266

Many on the board will try to spin data-sharing agreements and express that it doesn’t matter because the data is “de-identified,” but fail to express that much of the data can be REIDENTIFIED through CACTUS or google. They also fail to acknowledge that the data is released and subsequently manipulated to force a narrative that will drive policy forward.  Just by reading the data-sharing agreements, it is clear that the requests for data are to achieve a preconceived, predesigned and biased outcome.  

This isn’t how good research is completed. It’s how pseudo-science is used to drive new policies and new practices. 

Datafication is what is occurring.  “Datafication” is defined:  “a technological trend turning many aspects of our lives into computerized data using processes to transform organizations into data-driven enterprises by converting this information into new forms of value.”

This neglects true local interests and control by beneficiaries and stakeholders in education and places control in the hands of derived data sets and its derived meaning and value. 

These research agreements even use the term “derived data.”  They tell exactly their purpose – it is up to the board to learn that reality, to see the truth, and honor their oath of office to protect citizens’ privacy rights. 

Use the form below to email Utah State Board of Education members and express your desire that they OPPOSE the data-sharing agreements through this week’s meetings and into the future.  You are welcome to add to the message prompt below.