Focus Area

Data Privacy

Resources, professional learning, services, and support for helping districts protect student and mission-critical data.

Supporting school districts with student data privacy issues and SOPPA implementation

Securing and managing mission-critical data is not a one-person job. That’s why the Learning Technology Center provides support for implementing the latest data security protocols and complying with state and federal mandates, including SOPPA.

Our team stays at the forefront of K-12 data privacy and security innovations. Through our one-on-one consultations, events, and resources, we can put that knowledge to work for you by creating productive workflows and data management solutions for your district.

Data Privacy Laws

Overiew

Today’s education-focused technologies enable the easy and often unseen transfer of student data from one system to another. In Illinois, school districts and staff are now responsible for understanding how student data is handled in order to comply with relevant state and federal laws.

Overview of Illinois Student Data Privacy Laws

Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA)

Effective July 1, 2021, school districts will be required by the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA) to provide additional guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only (105 ILCS 85).

Today’s education-focused technologies enable the easy and often unseen transfer of student data from one system to another. In Illinois, school districts and staff are now responsible for understanding how student data is handled in order to comply with relevant state and federal laws.

Overview of Illinois Student Data Privacy Laws

Effective July 1, 2021, school districts will be required by the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA) to provide additional guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only (105 ILCS 85).

Services

Data Privacy Services

Free and low-cost services and trainings geared toward boosting institutional data privacy standards and responding to the latest data privacy threats.

Consultations

Technology Consultation

CooperativeDatabase

Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC)

Professional Learning

Be Connected Series

Professional Learning Network

Illinois EdTech Networks

Professional Learning Network

LTC Community

View all Services
Resources

Data Privacy Resources

Guidance and best practices for securing student data at an institutional level and adhering to data privacy mandates.

Organizations

Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC)

Learn more about the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC). The LTC is the Alliance Member of the SDPC providing access to SDPC resources such as the IL-NDPA and the database for managing data privacy agreements

Tools and Apps

Sample Communications when using IL-NDPA

LTC resource for communicating with vendors about SOPPA and the IL-NDPA.

Organizations

Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) National Data Privacy Agreement (NDPA) Press Release

The Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC), a special interest group of the non-profit Access 4 Learning (A4L) Community, is proud to announce the release of the first National Data Privacy Agreement (NDPA) to streamline application

National Data Privacy Agreement + Illinois Exhibit

The National Data Privacy Agreement (NDPA) streamlines application contracting and sets common expectations between schools/districts and marketplace providers. The LTC created an Illinois-specific exhibit that modifies the NDPA for use in Illinois, making it compliant

Best Practices

The Educator’s Guide to Student Data Privacy

Great resource from ConnectSafely and Future Privacy Forum for PD and and Trainings about Data Privacy

SOPPA Amendments 2021: Requirements for Written Agreements and Strategies for Risk Mitigation

SOPPA Amendments 2021: Requirements for Written Agreements and Strategies for Risk Mitigation – This webinar was presented in collaboration with Robbins-Schwartz, the Learning Technology Center of Illinois, Gallagher, and Secure Halo to discuss SOPPA’s contract

View all Resources
Upcoming Events

Data Privacy Events

Illinois Education & Technology Conference

| $200

Learn, explore, and connect with other innovative educators to harness the power of technology and prepare future-ready students.

Additional Details
View all Events
From Our Blog

Learn more about data privacy

Recent blog posts covering new data privacy guidance, resources, and best practices.

Technology Policies and Leadership

School Law Update: Top Tech Issues for the 2022-23 School Year

Hey, school administrators! The new school year is just around the corner, making now a great time to brush up on some of the legal issues facing education and technology right now. Check out this

Sam Fishel
Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center

Lead the Conversation! Submit an IETC 2022 Proposal

Proposal submission is now open for IETC 2022! This is your chance to share your unique perspectives on tech integration strategies, instructional practices, tech infrastructure, and more with 800+ attendees. Plus, there are great benefits

Sam Fishel
Digital Content Specialist, Learning Technology Center
CybersecurityData PrivacySOPPA

Stay Ahead of Tomorrow’s Digital Threats at SecurED Schools

At SecurED Schools, you can take the first step toward addressing new vulnerabilities and securing your district’s digital future. Take a peak at this year’s schedule, which includes over 40 local, state, and national experts

Chris Wherley
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
View all Articles