Episode #2: “The focus needs to be on getting data out”: The Importance of Trust and Collaboration in Working with Data

In this episode, our host Kristin Wolff talks with Dr. Kate Akers, who, after having guided the development of KY’s education and workforce data efforts for six years, and leading the evolution of the state’s P20W Data Collaborative project into what is now the KY Center for Statistics, will be heading to Harrisburg, PA to become the new Assistant Vice Chancellor for Education and Business Intelligence with the PA State System of Higher Education.

When KY, a partner in the US Department of Labor’s Workforce Data Quality Initiative (WDQI), launched its longitudinal data effort, it wanted to improve research and policy. Building on what had been a strong data culture, KY’s education and workforce stakeholders wanted to move beyond just counting. Less than a decade later, a suite of report cards, dashboards, and a slate of ongoing research products and questions were in play, and Kate and her team were travelling across the state helping people understand what data was available and how to use it to make better decisions.

It’s an amazing story. Have a listen.

For more information: * KY Center for Statistics: https://kystats.ky.gov/ * KY Center for Statistics Press Kit: https://kystats.ky.gov/News/Media * Key Reports (PFD and interactive): https://kystats.ky.gov/Reports/Reports * Labor Market Report: https://kystats.ky.gov/KYLMI

Social: https://twitter.com/kystats https://twitter.com/KyEdWorkforce

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Disclaimer:

This podcast was produced by Social Policy Research and Workforce 180 with support from the US Department of Labor.

The views expressed are those of the speakers and should not be attributed to the US Department of Labor or other public agencies (state, federal, or local). Mentions of trade names, commercial products or organizations does not imply endorsement of same by the US Government or representatives.