Privacy & Security

Thanks to new tools and evolving technologies, school districts have collected more student data than ever. This is why school and district transparency, a thorough knowledge of data governance, and clear contract terms are all vital components of an efficient student data privacy strategy.

All Privacy toolkit files

A zip file containing all downloadable Privacy resources

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Privacy in the Age of No Privacy

To best utilize student data, educators must trust technology companies to store and handle this sensitive information

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Student Privacy and Digital Compliance

It's in the interest of educators, policymakers, and parents to put the right policies and practices in motion 

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Creating Healthy Digital Environments

Training staff and students in data privacy both prevents and minimizes the damage of technology-based incidents 

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Dealing with Metadata

Education data is a morass of “metadata” gleaned each time a student interacts with tools and services

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Third-Party Vendors

Vendors should specify what data will be collected, who has access to that data, what it will be used for 

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Mobile Devices and Privacy

Today’s technology makes it easy to divulge personal data, location, and other identifying factors

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Federal and State Student-Data Privacy

There is a push to create, implement, enforce or refine industry-wide student data standards and legislation

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COPPA 101

The Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) imposes requirements on websites directed to children  

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FERPA 101

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) gives parents rights regarding children's records

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CIPA 101

The Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA) addresses children’s access to harmful Internet content

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PPRA 101

The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) protects students in regards to surveys and evaluation

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Student Privacy Considerations for Parents

Possible implications that online services, digital tools, and social media have on children’s privacy 

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Berkman Center's Student Privacy Institute

Comprehensive white papers and research reporting issues of student privacy, technology and policy

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Protecting Privacy in Connected Learning

Resources from CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) to help school systems navigate privacy issues  

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Data Security: The First Step to Protect Student Privacy

A report exploring the difficulty in providing an “anything goes” technology environment while protecting privacy 

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Suggested Contract Terms

A CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) document for schools search for online service providers

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Security Planning Rubric

A rubric from CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) that districts can use to determine security preparedness

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Questions to Ask Online Service Providers

A list from CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) of key security questions to discuss with your provider

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District Security Self-Assessment Checklist

A checklist from CoSN (the Consortium for School Networking) to help gauge a district’s security readiness

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BYOD and COPPA

Tips to help you comply with the Children's Online Privacy and Protection Act (COPPA)

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Leaders Get Proactive As Big Data Gets Bigger

Craig Williams reflects on data in this recent post. As data use expands exponentially, it is important for school leaders and technology staff to consider best practices for use and privacy. 
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10 Privacy Steps Every District Can Take Today!

In this follow-up post, Bob Moore offers practical advice for handling privacy and data in schools. 
Blog
Making Sense of Student Data Privacy

Student data privacy is an issue that concerns policy makers, parents, school administrators, technology leaders, and vendors.  The more schools adopt online, cloud services for educational purposes, privacy issues will only become more pressing. This report provides an overview of student data privacy and helps to explain the concerns and relevant laws. The report also offers suggestions for school leaders to better ensure the privacy of their students, while still encouraging the use of innovative technologies.
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Addressing Privacy Issues Around Student Data

Are you concerned about student privacy? CoSN's new toolkit addresses this crucial issue.
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Cloud Computing: A Look at School-Based Practices Today

Increasingly, data we use on a daily basis – including information used by schools to track students and manage resources – are stored in the cloud. Are we doing an adequate job of informing parents and protecting student privacy in this new, cloud-based world? According to a recent study by Fordham University the answer, in many school districts, is NO.
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