IETC 2021

Talk of student data privacy, cybersecurity, SOPPA, and scary news stories of major data leaks at school districts have been everywhere recently. While ensuring the security of school district infrastructure is undeniably the CTO’s responsibility, much can also be done at the teacher, coach, principal, and district office level to safeguard confidential student data against falling into the wrong hands. This presentation will explore: Why student data privacy matters; Federal laws surrounding student data privacy (particularly FERPA, COPPA, PPRA; Small steps individual employees can take to secure student data privacy; New Illinois student data privacy law (SOPPA) and how it affects teachers and the edtech platforms they use; Student data privacy often seems like a too-complicated mandate that is out of our hands, residing only in the office of the CTO, but armed with a simple understanding of the legal requirements regarding student data privacy and a few practical tips, anyone - at any level - can become a Student Data Privacy Warrior. ISTE Standards Addressed: ISTE Standards for Education Leaders, 4c: Protect privacy and security by ensuring that students and staff observe effective privacy and data management policies.