The 12 Regional Information Centers in New York State are working with the State Education Department to improve how student data systems are used. Their plan includes improving communication between different data systems, developing better data management and access, and ensuring student data protection. The RICs describe new services called RICone API, RICone SignOn, and RICone Privacy that are aimed at integrating data, providing single sign-on access, and promoting compliance with privacy laws.

1. N E W Y O R K S TAT E
REGIONAL INFORMATION CENTERS

2. The 12 Regional Information Centers in New York State are working collectively with the State
Education Department on a plan to better utilize student data systems to improve school operations and
classroom instruction. The RIC-developed plan includes three key objectives: to improve communication
between the different data systems currently used in schools; to develop a system to improve management
and user-access to data systems; and to ensure student data is protected and vendors comply with
FERPA and New York State Education Law 2-d. This document was developed to provide New York State
school districts with more information related to this work. RICone API, RICone SignOn and RICone Privacy
are described on the following pages.
Overview
My learning is
personalized and I
experience the benefits of
technology on a daily
basis.
My data is
protected.

3. Overview
Data Integration
RICone API, a component of RICone, supports the exchange of data between
authorized education solutions via a common set of exchange formats.
Benefits:
• makes it easier for districts to connect different systems that operate
independently
• promotes efficiencies and enables districts to implement new IT solutions with
ease
• improves data quality
• increases educators, parents and students’ ability to access and leverage data
Single Sign-On
RICone SignOn, a component of RICone, links a person’s electronic identity
across multiple identity management systems.
Benefits:
• makes it easier to manage permissions of users
• reduces the number of passwords users need to remember
• simplifies access to the systems users need
• increases the amount of classroom time spent on learning activities
Student Privacy
The RICs provide leadership to districts related to student privacy best
practices. RICone promotes FERPA and NYS Education Law 2-d vendor
compliance.
Benefits:
• assists NYS districts in ensuring compliance with new Education Law 2-d and
FERPA requirements
• supports educators in implementing technology-rich learning experiences,
while ensuring students’ privacy is not compromised
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4. Questions & Answers
What is RICone? RICone is a service that provides end-to-end, fully automated data integration. This
data service allows educators and students to access resources using single sign-on.
Users are able to view data housed in different platforms in one location.
Why are the RICs
developing this
solution?
In April 2014, the New York State Legislature passed the Common Core
Implementation Reform legislation. This law strengthened data protection practices
and requirements. The law included a provision that recognizes the trust districts
place in their BOCES and Regional Information Centers. For decades, the RICs have
assisted districts with state and federal data collection and reporting requirements.
Additionally, RICs support districts’ general needs related to instructional,
administrative and data systems. RICone is operated by RICs to assure districts
continue to benefit from these strong partnerships and data privacy and security can
be effectively controlled at the local level.
Why is this project
important?
Technology is a key component of our instructional programs and is integral to district
operations. Districts continue to add new applications. Additionally, districts are
increasingly communicating their desire to integrate data between systems,
implement new solutions with ease and access all solutions via a single sign-on.
Who controls the
data?
The RICs have always supported districts’ data integration needs. Districts are
in complete control of the data they provide to RICone. The data hub restricts vendor
access and ensures that vendors only have access to data elements authorized by
the district.
How does RICone, a
NYS initiative, align
with other data
projects?
APIs support the rapid growth in the volume of data moving across the Internet.
At the same time, prominent K-12 data standards have further simplified connecting
products by aligning on USDOE’s Common Educational Data Standards
(CEDS). RICone is a web service and data hub built on the CEDS data model,
supporting interoperability for products that have adopted SIF, Ed-Fi and other data
frameworks.
How quickly will
RICone mature?
RICone is a new project. The initiative will take time to develop. Development will be
guided by use cases. RICs will focus on solving district problems. The goal is to
provide as much value as possible to districts.
How does a vendor
get involved?
The service provides vendors with a test harness for developing and certifing their
products. As districts engage vendors, they should be aware that vendors must
demonstrate Education Law 2-d and FERPA compliance in order to participate. The
RICs are supporting vendors by building a collaborative community that includes
training opportunities, documentation and online collaboration.

5. Regional Information Centers’ Expertise
The Regional Information Centers (RICs) are organized under the
Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES). Regional
Information Centers (RICs) offer 21st century classroom tools to
optimize student achievement. Similar to BOCES, RICs are a trusted
provider of collaborative services. By regionalizing services, the
RICs, in particular, make a wider range of technology skill sets
available to school districts. This relationship increases the buying
power of a district and promotes consistent technical standards.
This cost effective system continues to lighten the burden placed on
local taxpayers and has leveled the playing field so that no matter
the size of a district, the best resources remain within reach for New
York students.
12NYS
IT Centers
Central New York RIC
6820 Thompson Rd.
Syracuse, NY 13211
Genesee Valley / Wayne Finger
Lakes Educational Technology
Service (EduTech)
131 Drumlin Court
Newark, NY 14513-1863
Greater Southern Tier RIC
459 Philo Rd.
Elmira, NY 14903
Lower Hudson RIC
450 Mamaroneck Avenue
Harrison, NY 10528
Mid-Hudson RIC
175 Rt. 32 North
New Paltz, NY 12561
Mohawk RIC
4937 Spring Rd.
Verona NY 13478-0168
Monroe RIC
11 Linden Park
Rochester, NY 14626
Nassau RIC
1 Merrick Ave.
Westbury, NY 11590
Northeastern RIC
900 Watervliet Shaker Rd.
Albany, NY 12205
South Central RIC
435 Glenwood Rd.
Binghamton, NY 13905
Suffolk RIC
15 Andrea Rd.
Holbrook, NY 11741
Western New York RIC
355 Harlem Rd.
West Seneca, NY 14224