What is Responsible Data Use?

Data is a valuable tool that should be used to help, and never to harm, individuals. 

Using data responsibly is more than just adhering to data privacy and security laws, leaders must create a culture in which data is trusted and used ethically to support individuals. 

Summary

How Leaders Can Support Responsible Data Use

  • Communicate clearly about your values and goals for data use; data should always serve a clear purpose.
  • Engage community stakeholders in crafting policies and practices that require data collection and use, especially stakeholders who are directly affected.
  • Center privacy in the design of data policies and practices.
  • Be transparent about how data is used and protected to build trust with the public and communities you are serving.
  • Train people to use data. Ensure everyone who uses data has the ability to use data effectively and ethically.
An undergraduate student from UCLA meets with high school students in an AP research class at UCLA Community School.

Related Resources

Learn more about how to support responsible data use.

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High-quality education data are essential for improving students’ achievement in school and preparing them for success in life.
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Teachers can improve their practice--and student outcomes--when they understand how to use data effectively and ethically. This brief for state policymakers offers a proposed definition of data literacy along with recommendations for state and federal policymakers.

Responsible Data Use in the News

Our Work

We envision a world where data is used to drive systemic change, economic mobility, and student success.

About Us

We advocate to change the role of data to ensure that data works for everyone navigating their education and workforce journeys.