Technological innovation has touched every facet of society, and education is no exception. Educational Technology enables educators to more effectively track student progress, pinpoint interventions, and create adaptive learning programs to allow students to learn at their own pace. IUSD values our students' privacy and is committed to the protection of student data. Our organization has been at the forefront of ensuring student data privacy, regardless of whether the information is retained in hard copy or electronic form.
What student data is protected?
Under California and Federal Law, "personally identifiable information" is protected. The term personally identifiable information includes, but is not limited to:
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The student’s name, District username, permanent ID number, health records, photos, voice recordings, geo-location information, and/or IP address.
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Other information that, alone or in combination, is linked or linkable to a specific student that would allow a reasonable person in the school community, who does not have personal knowledge of the relevant circumstances, to identify the student with reasonable certainty; or
- Information requested by a person who the educational agency or institution reasonably believes knows the identity of the student to whom the education record relates.
What Laws Protect Student Data?
Federal
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Children’s Online Privacy protection Act (COPPA)
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Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
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Protection of Pupil Rights Act (PPRA)
California
In response to the technological integration in education, California has passed even stronger legislation to ensure that student data is being protected.
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Student Online Personal Information Protection Act (SOPIPA)
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Privacy of Pupil Records: 3rd Party Digital Storage and Education Software (AB 1584 & California Education Code section 49073.1)
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Early Learning Personal Information Protection Act (AB 2799)
Other/Related Federal and State Regulations
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Health Information Portability & Accountability Act (HIPAA)
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Data breach (multiple laws and statutes)
How does IUSD protect STUDENT DATA?
IUSD supports and practices the recommendations set forth by the California Office of the Attorney General, recommending the following best practices:
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Data Collection and Retention: Minimization is the goal.
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Data Use: Keep it educational.
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Data Disclosure: Make protections stick.
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Individual Control: Respect user’s rights.
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Data Security: Implement reasonable and appropriate safeguards.
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Transparency: provide a meaningful privacy policy.
IUSD is continuously assessing and refining our technology security practices.
As curriculum and educational resources move to online software providers, we hold our partners to the same high standard. IUSD is in the forefront of the data privacy movement in education. Our contracts are negotiated to incorporate legally required protections, as well as strict provisions related to accessing and sharing student data. IUSD has negotiated Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) including the California Student Data Privacy Agreement (CSDPA) with our adopted software program providers.
Where Can I get More Information?
For more information and guidance regarding California state and Federal laws pertaining to student data protection, please see the following online resources:
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iKeepSafe: A nonprofit coalition which tracks global trends and issues surrounding digitally connected products and their effects on children.
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Website: https://ikeepsafe.org
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Ferpa Sherpa: This nonprofit provides information on all student data privacy laws, with sections specifically tailored to parents, students, educators and policy makers.
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Website: https://ferpasherpa.org.
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The California Student Privacy Alliance: The CSPA is a collaboration of California school districts that share common concerns around student privacy. The goal of the CSPA is to set standards of both practice and expectations around student privacy such that all parties involved have a common understanding of expectations.