Data Magic: The Official Podcast of Project Unicorn

The Data Magic Podcast of Project Unicorn features conversations with the leaders, innovators, and builders designing the infrastructure for real-time, secure, student-centered data. Whether you are a district or state leader, an EdTech developer, or simply curious about the future of education, we’re here to help you understand why interoperability matters—and how we can all help make it a reality. 

In this episode, Jason Tyszko, Senior Vice President of Policy and Programs at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, discusses the shift towards a new data paradigm that prioritizes learner and worker data ownership. Jason talks about establishing regional public-private data utilities and leveraging the Jobs and Employment Data Exchange (JEDx). The JEDxtool allows states to eliminate administrative friction, streamline compliance, and translate skills across diverse workforce skill dictionaries. As AI reshapes the human resource landscape, verified digital credentials and real-time labor market interoperability will be essential for creating a dynamic and fair future of work.

In this special 10th-anniversary episode of Data Magic, host Katie Bradford speaks with Dr. John Keller, CIO of the Indiana Department of Education, about Indiana's journey with Ed-Fi data standards and why every state educational agency needs to complete Project Unicorn's State Data Standards Map by the end of October.

Join Data Magic host Katie Bradford as she welcomes Mark Racine, co-founder of RootED Solutions and former Chief Information Officer at Boston Public Schools (BPS) for over 11 years. Drawing on his career path from a 5th-grade science teacher to leading technology strategy in one of the nation's largest urban school districts, Mark shares his unique perspective on how K-12 data integration has evolved and where critical gaps still remain.

In this episode, we explore the mission of data interoperability through the lens of Project Unicorn’s new leader, Katie Bradford. We look at the central challenge of fragmented data silos and the hidden costs that arise when systems don't talk to each other—from manual workarounds to the erosion of educator trust. We also discuss the importance of aligning incentives between school districts and EdTech vendors, and how Project Unicorn acts as a mediator to move the field beyond simple pledges toward meaningful accountability and actionable standards.

In this episode, we explore K-12 cybersecurity through the lens of policy and data governance. We look at the biggest threats facing schools today, how districts can write stronger vendor agreements to handle data breaches, and what guardrails are needed as AI enters the classroom.

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.

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.

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.

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:

✨ 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.

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.