inBloom redux? NYSUT, NYSAPE and Parent Coalition for Student Privacy protest

Update: After we sent our letter to Anita Murphy below, the BOCES announced that "All seven of the Statewide Data Conversations set for this spring have been postponed to better coordinate with all stakeholder groups. At this time, new meeting dates have not been scheduled."  If and when they are re-scheduled we will let you know.

I thought this announcement was from 2013 until I saw the date: a new NY state effort to “envision” a new state data system with funding from the Gates Foundation.

Apparently the grant was obtained by the Capitol region BOCES but Commissioner Elia must have approved it. Do these guys never learn? 

Envisioning a New Statewide Data System

A variety of data is collected about children and students—from birth through their school years and into young adulthood. Used purposefully, this data can be a powerful tool to inform, engage and create opportunities for our students. It can paint a “bigger picture” of who students are and what they most need to grow, achieve and meet their educational goals, and help educators and others make connections that can lead to school and curricular improvements.

See the letter of protest sent today from NYSUT, NYSAPE and our Parent Coalition for Student Privacy below. Meanwhile, a series of sessions are being held throughout the state “to gather feedback” in late May and early June.  Please sign up if you can.