SB 788 (87R) Model Data Sharing Agreement

Governor Greg Abbott created the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative—composed of the Texas Education Agency (TEA), Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board (THECB), and Texas Workforce Commission (TWC)—to address long-term workforce development needs across the state. The Tri-Agency vision is that Texans of all ages should have access to high-quality education and workforce training that empowers them to achieve their full potential.  

In accordance with Senate Bill 788, 87th Legislature, Regular Session, TEA, THECB, and TWC have jointly developed a model data-sharing agreement for use by public schools, public and private institutions of higher education, and state and local workforce entities when sharing data protected under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) among themselves as well as with other entities authorized to receive these data. Under FERPA, written sharing agreements are required under certain circumstances when disclosing personally identifiable information from education records without consent. The protection of student data is of the upmost importance to the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative, and this model agreement will allow partners to collaboratively access and use student data to improve outcomes while protecting students' privacy.  

You may download the model data-sharing agreement. Please note that the use of the Agreement is discretionary, and entities using the Agreement should consult with their own counsel regarding questions about the legality of data sharing under such Agreements.  

If you have questions about the agreement, please contact TEA’s College, Career, and Military Preparation Division at (512) 936-6060.  

Thank you for your continued support of the Tri-Agency Workforce Initiative.