Student Data Privacy
CoSN Releases Updated Privacy Toolkit for School Leaders
The Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) Thursday released an updated version of its national privacy toolkit for school system leaders.
The new “Protecting Privacy in Connected Learning, Version 3” toolkit serves as an "in-depth guide to key student data privacy laws” and how these laws operate together, according to the CoSN site. The updated version offers more information on the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment. In addition, CoSN has expanded definitions of key privacy terms, suggested contract terms and more. New information on metadata and data identification issues, as well as click-wrap agreements, has also been added.
The toolkit gives advice to school leaders, ranging from personnel changes to best practices for information parents and families. One resource, “10 Steps Every District Should Take Today,” for example, suggests that districts designate a senior administrator who will be responsible for ensuring accountability for privacy laws and policies.
CoSN’s Protecting Privacy in Connected Learning Initiative is supported by McGraw-Hill Education, Microsoft, FileWave and HP. The full toolkit is available for free on the CoSN site. (E-mail registration is required.)