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Harvard committee reviews Open Architect student data dashboard; staff to report on privacy before contract
Summary
Assistant Superintendent Dana Labb demonstrated the district's Open Architect dashboard and outlined using STAR and MCAS data to inform instruction; members asked for clarification on whether STAR is cloud‑based and for data privacy details before signing any contract.
Assistant Superintendent Dana Labb demonstrated the district’s proposed use of the Open Architect data dashboard at the Harvard School Committee meeting on May 18, saying it centralizes MCAS, STAR and attendance data so teachers and leaders can track student performance over time.
Labb said the district’s current implementation of the platform is free through this school year but will incur a cost next year that he described as “reasonable compared to other tools like Wayfinder.” He showed features intended for classroom use — filters, student explorer and family reports — and described how teachers could use real‑time data to identify students needing intervention.
Why it matters: the platform would change how the district shares assessment information with families and how teachers receive near‑real‑time performance data. Committee members raised questions about data security, parental communication and the emotional effect of sharing frequent assessment results with families.
Committee discussion focused on two practical choices: how much STAR assessment data to share with parents (some members favored an opt‑in approach to avoid student anxiety) and what contractual and technical protections are required to safeguard student information. Mr. Brian Killeen asked specifically about data security and privacy; Mr. Labb agreed to follow up with the Technology Director on whether STAR is cloud‑based and to provide information about data privacy before the district executes any contract.
The dashboard presentation also included district MCAS results; the assistant superintendent noted that most schools are meeting or exceeding targets and that Hildreth School received recognition for achievement and growth. Labb acknowledged some data discrepancies that will require further investigation.
Next steps: the committee did not vote on procuring the platform during the meeting. Staff will return with answers on STAR hosting and privacy safeguards and with proposed contract terms and costs for committee review.
