Data Magic: The Official Podcast of Project Unicorn

Project Unicorn

Data Magic is the official podcast of Project Unicorn, a national initiative dedicated to radically improve data interoperability - the safe and secure flow of education data across systems to support student learning.  Each episode features interviews with leaders in the field who are building the infrastructure for real-time, secure, student-centered data. Whether you are a district leader, product developer, or simply curious about the future of educational data, this podcast helps you understand why interoperability matters and how we can all contribute to making it a reality.

Episodes

  1. Apr 27

    Data Magic Episode #10: 10 Years of Data Magic: Inside Project Unicorn's Journey with Erin Mote

    Join Erin Mote, CEO of InnovateEDU, as she reflects on a decade of leading Project Unicorn and advocating for data interoperability in education. Learn about the major accomplishments, biggest lessons learned, and the roadmap for the next 10 years. As schools reevaluate their technology tools, Erin shares critical insights on what districts and vendors must prioritize to build a sustainable future.

    18 min

  2. Apr 16

    Data Magic Episode #9: Data Magic in Action: Outcomes-Based Contracting and Real EdTech Impact

    This episode explores how EdTech aligned to clear outcomes and strong implementation can improve student results—featuring insights from the Outcomes-Based Contracting Center (OBC). We unpack how interoperability, structured data practices, and defined measures like dosage bring “data magic” to life—turning fragmented information into clear, actionable insights for educators and providers. Ultimately, the conversation highlights how outcomes-based contracting creates shared accountability between schools and providers, ensuring data is not just collected, but meaningfully used to drive results for students.

    22 min

  3. Mar 27

    Data Magic Episode #8: The New Standard of Trust: Why AI Safety and Interoperability are Better Together

    Data Magic returns to continue the conversation about the challenges and opportunities of interoperability in education with Andrea Claver, Project Manager of EDSAFE AI Alliance. Andrea brings years of classroom and district-level experience and leadership on a national initiative to ensure that EdTech entering schools is safe, effective, and truly supports teaching and learning.

    10 min

  4. 11/04/2025

    Data Magic Episode #7: From the Classroom to the CTO’s Office: Chantel Manahan on Building Data Culture

    From the French classroom to the CTO’s office, Dr. Chantel Manahan has seen firsthand how access to meaningful data can change teaching and learning. In this episode of Data Magic, Chantel shares her journey from pulling 185 paper student files by hand to leading her district’s technology strategy with real-time dashboards, interoperability, and a strong data culture. Her story highlights the power of making data accessible, actionable, and human-centered. 🎙️ In this conversation, you’ll hear: How early classroom frustrations sparked a passion for better data systems The role of interoperability in removing barriers for teachers and students Lessons learned from building data culture in a small, rural district Why real-time dashboards changed how her district supports student growth The exciting future of AI and interoperability in K–12 education ✨ Bonus: Chantel shares her work with the Indiana Ed Data Alliance and her new podcast Leading Out Loud. If you’ve ever wondered how to move from “data overload” to true insight in schools, this episode is for you.

    16 min

  5. 10/21/2025

    Data Magic Episode #6: Building Trust in EdTech: Privacy, Security, and Interoperability Together

    In this episode of Data Magic, we sit down with Steve Smith, Executive Director of Access 4 Learning (A4L), to unpack the critical balance between interoperability, privacy, and security in K-12 education. Drawing on his 27 years of experience as a district CTO and CIO, Steve explains how his experiences in both rural Maine and urban Cambridge have shaped his perspective on student data, highlighting the urgent need for connected systems that also protect privacy. He introduces his “three-legged stool” framework, which encompasses interoperability, privacy, and cybersecurity, and explains why all three are essential to a secure education ecosystem. Steve also shares the origin story of the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC), which now manages over 200,000 signed privacy agreements across 15,000 apps, and how it has transformed collaboration between districts and vendors. The conversation delves into new initiatives, such as the Global Education Security Standard (GESS), designed to unify cybersecurity expectations across states and countries, and Privacy Obligation Documents (PODs), which automate the communication and tracking of privacy agreements. Finally, Steve reflects on what excites him most about the future: collaboration across organizations and systems, from K-12 to higher education and the workforce, and previews upcoming convenings where this work will continue to grow. Tune in for an insider’s perspective on how schools and vendors can work together to build a trusted, secure, and connected data ecosystem for all learners.

    35 min

  6. 10/07/2025

    Data Magic Episode #5: APIs, Privacy, and Special Education: Jeff Carlson on Clever’s Role in Interoperability

    In this episode of Data Magic, we sit down with Dr. Jeff Carlson, Head of National Education Partnerships at Clever, to explore how APIs, data minimization, and identity management are advancing interoperability in K-12 education. Jeff explains how Clever’s platform helps schools share only the data they intend—eliminating risky practices like emailing spreadsheets—and gives districts fine-grained control over what information vendors receive. He discusses the evolving cybersecurity landscape, where student data is valued far more than adult data on the black market, and why protecting student identities has never been more critical. The conversation covers how Clever supports seamless access to digital learning tools, reduces integration challenges for both schools and vendors, and is expanding into new areas like special education data management and real-time assessment feedback. Jeff also shares his personal journey from special education teacher to edtech leader, and how Clever’s collaboration with Project Unicorn is helping military-connected students and those with IEPs access the services they need without delay. Tune in to hear how Clever is working to build a safer, smarter, and more connected educational ecosystem—where every student can access the tools they need, when they need them.

    17 min

  7. 09/25/2025

    Data Magic Episode #4: Building a Smarter, Safer K-12 Ecosystem with AI and Interoperability - A Conversation with Ariana Bauer

    In this episode of Project Unicorn's Data Magic, we sit down with Ariana Bauer, an experienced product leader in educational technology, to explore how AI and data interoperability are reshaping the future of K-12 education. Ariana shares her perspective on the opportunities and risks of bringing AI into schools, emphasizing the importance of transparency and caution when using free tools that may compromise student data. She reflects on lessons learned from her work in data certification and early interoperability efforts, including projects at the Oklahoma State Department of Education, where automation helped streamline systems and support student success. The conversation reveals how real-time data processing can empower educators to make faster, more informed decisions, and why the thoughtful integration of AI is crucial to ensuring accessibility and equity in learning. Ariana also tackles common misconceptions about data, offering a candid look at what districts and providers often get wrong, and how they can avoid costly mistakes. This episode serves as a potent reminder that while technology can transform education, its impact ultimately depends on intentional design, clear standards, and a commitment to protecting student privacy. Tune in for Ariana’s insights on building a safer, more intelligent, and more connected educational ecosystem. Referenced in the show: https://revvedupwishes.org

    35 min

  8. 09/04/2025

    Data Magic Episode #3: Bridging the Data Divide: EdTech Integration in K-12 with Dakota Gordon

    In this illuminating episode of Project Unicorn's Data Magic, we sit down with Dakota Gordon, CEO of Edlink, to demystify the complex world of data interoperability and integrations in K-12 education.   Dakota shares critical insights on the biggest challenges edtech providers face when connecting their systems with existing school data infrastructure and offers practical solutions to overcome them. We explore best practices for breaking down data silos in K-12 institutions, ensuring seamless information flow between various platforms.   The conversation also delves into the significant impact of data privacy regulations (like FERPA and state policies) on how edtech providers approach interoperability. We tackle common misconceptions about data integrations, helping districts avoid pitfalls when implementing new systems. Finally, Dakota discusses the vital role of interoperability standards (such as Ed-Fi or OneRoster) in shaping the future of K-12 data integrations and advises edtech providers on how to prepare for what's next. Tune in for a deep dive into creating a more connected and efficient educational ecosystem.

    11 min

  9. 08/19/2025

    Navigating EdTech Quality: The 5 Indicators Revolutionizing K-12 Procurement with Tal Havivi (Data Magic Episode #2)

    Today, K-12 schools face an overwhelming challenge: independently vetting the countless edtech products available. This massive duplication of effort wastes valuable time for already stretched school leaders. With the surge of new AI tools, this burden is only growing. In this crucial episode of Project Unicorn's Data Magic, we sit down with Tal Havivi, Managing Director at ISTE+ASCD, to reveal a groundbreaking solution: the Five EdTech Quality Indicators for K-12 procurement. Tal explains how these essential indicators—Safe, Evidence-Based, Inclusive, Usable, and Interoperable—are designed to empower schools to make smarter, more efficient edtech decisions. We explore: Why a common set of indicators is vital to reduce the review burden on districts. How these indicators help schools avoid common pitfalls and risks in edtech evaluation. The role of independent quality validations by trusted experts, like CAST, in streamlining the process. How edtech providers can align their products to meet these high standards. The collaborative effort of seven leading edtech organizations (1EdTech, CAST, CoSN, Digital Promise, InnovateEDU, ISTE, SETDA) committed to creating a comprehensive directory of validated products. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone involved in K-12 edtech, offering a path to efficiently identify high-quality digital learning tools and revolutionize the procurement landscape for both schools and product developers.   About Data Magic:    Data Magic is the official podcast of Project Unicorn, a national initiative dedicated to radically improving data interoperability - the safe and secure flow of education data across systems to support learning.  Each episode features interviews with leaders in the field who are building the infrastructure for real-time, secure, student-centered data. Whether you are a district or state leader, product developer, or simply curious about the future of educational data, this podcast helps you understand why interoperability matters and how we can all contribute to making it a reality. Learn more: https://www.projectunicorn.org/data-magic-podcast

    14 min

  10. 08/05/2025

    Connected Systems, Stronger Starts: Interoperability in 9th Grade with Jenny Bradbury (Data Magic Episode #1)

    In this episode of Data Magic, we sit down with Jenny Bradbury, formerly of Digital Promise, to explore how data interoperability drives student success, especially during the pivotal 9th-grade year. Jenny explains why connected data systems are essential for identifying and supporting students who are on track or at risk of falling behind. We talk about the challenges schools face when data systems do not communicate and how education leaders can ensure that student success tools are both rich in data and useful in practice for teachers, counselors, and administrators. This conversation highlights the power of integrated data to inform timely decisions and improve outcomes when it matters most.

    7 min

  11. 07/31/2025

    Introducing Data Magic: The Official Podcast of Project Unicorn

    What happens when education data flows securely, seamlessly, and in real time? Data Magic explores the transformative power of interoperability in K–12 education. Brought to you by Project Unicorn—a national initiative focused on radically improving data interoperability—Data Magic brings you insightful conversations with the leaders shaping the future of student-centered data. From district innovators to edtech developers, each episode dives into how we can build more intelligent systems that support every learner. Whether you’re deep in the work or just curious about what’s next, this podcast helps you make sense of the infrastructure that powers modern education. Subscribe to Data Magic wherever you listen to podcasts—because the future of learning depends on the systems, people, and policy behind it.

    1 min
  • 11 Episodes

About

Data Magic is the official podcast of Project Unicorn, a national initiative dedicated to radically improve data interoperability - the safe and secure flow of education data across systems to support student learning.  Each episode features interviews with leaders in the field who are building the infrastructure for real-time, secure, student-centered data. Whether you are a district leader, product developer, or simply curious about the future of educational data, this podcast helps you understand why interoperability matters and how we can all contribute to making it a reality.

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