Data Privacy & Security Service
Issue 12
CoSN FEATURE ARTICLE 10 Steps to Address Data Security & Data Privacy (continued) by Linette Attai & Marie Bjerede
Data security is just one side of the coin of a complete data protection and governance program. The other side of that coin is data privacy. Federal, state and global data protec- tion laws set the floor for data privacy requirements, and your district rules and com- munity norms and ethics set the ceiling. Leveraging that combination of work, today’s tech-enabled districts must also translate their data privacy ef- forts into clear and easy to un- derstand guidance to build trust with the community about how student data is being protected. It requires ongoing effort and focus on fundamentals across the district, as well as attention to strengthening the relation- ship with parents to move from fear-based discussions about data protection to fact-based and trusting partnerships. CoSN recommends the follow- ing as fundamental to any data privacy program: 1. Work with legal counsel and coordinate compliance with your technology, assess- ment, curriculum, student services, human resources, and all technology ven- dors to stay up to date and compliant with all applicable laws. 2. Embark on a program of
ongoing management and improvement of your com- pliance program that des- ignates rules, procedures spearheaded by district leadership. 3. Train! Anyone who collects or has access to students’ personal information should be taught how to use stu- dent data securely, effec- tively, legally, and ethically, in keeping with your dis- trict’s policies and require- ments. 4. Address community and other stakeholder expecta- tions in a clear and compre- hensive manner, with pub- licly available information and resources. 5. Keep instructional goals in the picture, balancing those needs with the data privacy requirements. CoSN also has a variety of resources to help districts evaluate and improve their data privacy programs: • Protecting Privacy in Con- nected Learning Toolkit. This free resources is an in-depth guide to key feder- al student data privacy laws. It also includes guidance on how the laws operate together, suggested con- tract terms, explanations of metadata and data de-iden- tification, use of click-wrap
agreements, and more. • Trusted Learning Environ- ment Seal Program. The Trusted Learning Environ- ment Seal Program (TLE), ensures that school sys- tems are taking meaningful and measurable steps to protect the privacy of stu- dent data and are communi- cating these efforts to par- ents, communities and other stakeholders. • Online Privacy Training This eight module course is designed for school district leaders who want to under- stand existing privacy laws, define best and necessary practices around privacy, and communicate effectively with their communities. Find more of CoSN’s privacy resources at CoSN.org/privacy. For even more actionable strategies, join us on July 16th in Washington, DC. CoSN will work with you to help improve your efforts regarding student data privacy and build a foun- dation for earning the TLE Seal! Space is limited. Regis- ter today! For more information about how CoSN can help support your district efforts across a variety of disciplines, visit us at CoSN.org.
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