Student Data Privacy

Grass Lake School takes the privacy of our student's data seriously. Student data is protected through a comprehensive set of privacy policies, Illinois school laws, network security, and staff training.

What is SOPPA?

The Student Online Personal Protection Act, or SOPPA, is the data privacy law that regulates student data collection and use by schools, the Illinois State Board of Education, and third-party vendors. As part of SOPPA, these vendors must enter into Data Privacy Agreements (DPA) with each district they work with. These agreements outline what data is stored, how it is protected, what the company can and cannot do with that data, and what they will do in the event of a data breach.

Watch the video for a brief explanation of SOPPA provided by the Illinois Learning Technology Center. 

Important Data Privacy Laws

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Governs information in a student’s education record, restricting access and use of student information.

 

 

Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA)

Guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only.

Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)

Restricts the collection of personal information from children under 13 by companies operating websites, games, mobile applications, and digital services that are directed to children or that collect personal information from individuals known to be children.

Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)

Imposes certain requirements on schools that utilize the federal E-Rate program to receive discounts for internet access and other technology services, or that receive federal grants for other technology expenses.

Data Privacy Agreements (DPA)

Grass Lake School leverages the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC), which is an unique collaborative of schools, districts, regional, territories and state agencies, policy makers, trade organizations and marketplace providers addressing real-world, adaptable, and implementable solutions to growing data privacy concerns. If you would like to read more about the SDPC, click here. Through the SDPC we enter into contracts with third party vendors who handle our student's data. If you would like to view the DPAs that Grass Lake School currently holds, please click HERE.