Statewide Data Governance Academy

The Data Governance Academy supports COEs assisting LEAs in Differentiated Assistance (DA) through the CALPADS pathway, as well as LEAs themselves in CALPADS DA. We encourage broad participation—cabinet leaders, IT and related staff, differentiated assistance and accountability staff, and CALPADS administrators—because the training both educates and jumpstarts local Data Governance efforts. Unlike traditional CSIS trainings, this series is not designed for staff doing routine CALPADS work, though they are welcome to join alongside leadership. The Data Governance Academy focuses on helping leaders view and act on data from an enterprise-wide perspective, rather than within a single system. The Academy introduces simplified Data Governance concepts, strategies, and documentation for leadership teams to strengthen local data practices statewide. While developed as a preventative support for CALPADS-related DA, participation does not require DA eligibility.

April Sessions

The April sessions of the Data Governance Academy will take place in five regions throughout the state, with both in-person and watch party site attendance available.

In-Person registration for the April sessions of the CSIS Data Governance Academy is now available on the CSIS Training Registration Page.

To register at a watch party site in your area, please locate an approximate watch party site in our Watch Party List and follow the registration instructions for the specified watch party.

Note: Virtual attendance for the April sessions of the CSIS Data Governance Academy is limited to watch party sites, and there is no individual virtual participation.

Data Governance Academy FAQ

Q: Is this training series only for agencies that are eligible for Differentiated Assistance?
A: No, the Data Governance Academy is being offered to all agencies in support of building capacity for modern data governance practices throughout the state. This is largely in support of building capacity that is related to supporting the ongoing / upcoming CALPADS Differentiated Assistance for COEs that may provide support, and for their LEAs that may become eligible for DA. However, the Academy can also support proactive data management improvement efforts at LEAs and COEs.
Q: Is the Data Governance Academy only intended for cabinet-level LEA and COE leadership?
A: No, the training series is also intended for CALPADS Administrators, Differentiated Assistance and accountability staff, data governance professionals, and local leaders with enterprise-wide influence. We encourage attendance in teams from your organization, so that active reflection on local practices can be as informed as possible.
Q: Is there a solo/individual zoom option?
A: Registration and attendance for the April sessions of the Data Governance Academy is limited to in-person and watch party participation, and there is no individual virtual participation. We encourage you to attend as an organizational team, either in-person at a central COE or at a watch party site in your region.
Q: Do we need a point person / facilitator to host a Watch Party event?
A: Yes, the October and April sessions of the Data Governance Academy are interactive, and we're counting on facilitators to guide and support those in attendance through the hands-on activities and elements of the training. 
Q: What should a watch party facilitator be prepared to do?
A: Coordinate local room and technology arrangements. Manage registration and sign-in sheets for your local event. Be prepared to bring some energy and structure to the room when it’s time to brainstorm and collaborate in table groups as you fill in various worksheet activities during the day of the event. We will be hosting a Watch Party facilitator meeting in September to cover the session structure and answer any questions. It’s intended to be minimal effort and just serves to keep your local group on track. An electronic PDF participant guide will be provided for you to share.