Focus Area
Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Resources, professional learning, services, and support for helping districts protect student and mission-critical data.
Consulting, resources, and support
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.
Services
Service
K12Smart Phish
School-centered phishing simulations that train staff to spot real threats, turning your team into your district's frontline defense.
Consulting
vCISO Service
The LTC vCISO Program provides Illinois K-12 districts with a shared, annual-subscription cybersecurity leadership service that delivers senior-level risk guidance, board-ready reporting, and structured incident readiness planning without the cost of a full-time hire.
Varies
Service
Endpoint Security & Managed Detection
Protect your district’s devices, servers, and data with enterprise-grade endpoint security and 24/7 threat monitoring. The Learning Technology Center helps Illinois school districts detect, contain, and respond to cyber threats using advanced cybersecurity tools and…
Service
Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program
Show your commitment to student data privacy with free access to CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program, empowering Illinois K-12 schools to build trust, improve data privacy practices, and demonstrate leadership through this exclusive…
Free
Service
SDPC Add-On Service
Strengthen student data privacy compliance in your district with our SDPC add-on service, providing Illinois schools expert support, streamlined NDPA processing, and vendor negotiations.
$550/year
Professional Learning
SecurED Schools
Secured Schools is the LTC's annual virtual cybersecurity and data privacy conference, aimed at bolstering security measures within K12 school systems.
January $75+
Resources
Website
Cyber Incident Readiness & Recovery Framework & Assessment
Assess your K-12 district's cybersecurity preparedness with a free self-evaluation. Get scores, gap analysis, and a clear roadmap in under an hour.
Administrators · Technology Leaders/Support
Best Practices
Standards
Cyber Incident Response & Recovery Framework for Schools
This framework for K-12 technology leaders and district stakeholders defines the structured lifecycle for responding to and recovering from cyber incidents within an educational environment.
Administrators · Technology Leaders/Support
Resource Collections
Incident Response Plan Templates
Curated by the LTC's Technology Services team, 11 templates and example playbooks for developing comprehensive incident response plans based on core objectives, actions, and communications.
Administrators · Technology Leaders/Support
Handout/Worksheet
District Website Checklist
The District Website Checklist is a component of the more extensive Legal Reference Guide published by the Learning Technology Center and is designed to assist school districts in navigating the landscape of legal obligations.
Administrators · Technology Leaders/Support
Guidance
CyberGuide
Strengthen your district's cybersecurity posture with this free guide for technology leaders, which includes step-by-step instructions on how to implement auditing, professional development, incident response and disaster recovery planning, and much more.
Administrators · Technology Leaders/Support
Guidance
Sample Communications when using IL-NDPA
LTC resource for communicating with vendors about SOPPA and the IL-NDPA.
Technology Leaders/Support
Report
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…
Technology Leaders/Support
Guidance
Getting Started with SOPPA
LTC Resource sharing information about getting started with SOPPA.
Technology Leaders/Support
Guidance
Using ISPA to Comply with SOPPA
LTC Resource sharing a workflow for managing SOPPA in your District.
Technology Leaders/Support
Guidance
Managing Agreements with ISPA
LTC Resource sharing a workflow for the management of data privacy agreements for SOPPA.
Technology Leaders/Support
Report
Illinois-National Data Privacy Agreement v1.0a (IL-NDPA)
The IL-NDPA is a data privacy agreement that has been created at a national level by the Student Data Privacy Consortium and customized at a State of Illinois level by the Illinois Council of School…
Technology Leaders/Support
Tools and Apps
Checklist for using the IL-NDPA – Originating or Subscribing
This checklist gives tips and suggestions on the best ways of using the IL-NDPA in combination with the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) database.
Technology Leaders/Support
Best Practices
Standards
Video
What is SOPPA? An Introduction
This introduction summarizes SOPPA's goals, as well as the basic requirements K-12 districts will need meet to achieve compliance.
Administrators · Instructional Leaders · Technology Leaders/Support
Best Practices
Standards
Student Data Privacy Laws to Know
This legal brief summarizes both state and federal laws impacting how schools in Illinois collect, manage, and process student data, including FERPA, COPPA, and SOPPA.
Administrators · Technology Leaders/Support
Guidance
Reasonable Security Practices
The Learning Technology Center recommends 48 security best practices, aligned with CIS Controls and vetted by Illinois school technology leaders, to comply with the Student Online Personal Protection Act.
Administrators · Technology Leaders/Support
Guidance
Legislative Brief: Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA)
This legislative brief summarizes SOPPA and provides an overview of the law's requirements for K-12 schools, including entering into written agreements with all service providers who collect student data.
Administrators · Technology Leaders/SupportEvents
SOPPA/SDPC Back-to-School Updates
Data privacy didn't take the summer off. Join the LTC's Technology Services team for timely updates on SOPPA and using SDPC, including NDPA v2.3 status, Resource Registry 2.0, error reports for districts, and a platform…
SecurED Schools
Increased reliance on educational technology means increased risk. Prepare your institution to face that risk head during this online summit packed with cybersecurity strategies, tools, and best practices – all tailored to the unique needs…
Technology & the Law: What Every School Leader Must Know (AA 4230)
This course provides Illinois school and district leaders with a comprehensive and actionable understanding of the legal frameworks that govern the use of technology in K-12 education.
Articles
12 Cybersecurity Practices your District Should Already Have in Place
Resilient cybersecurity is not a set-it-and-forget-it pursuit. Re-check your district's procedures with these best practices in mind to stay on top of account management and data governance.
LTC Launches Cyber Incident Readiness Self-Evaluation for K-12 Schools
Pairing together a practical framework and an easy-to-use self-evaluation tool, this new national resource can help all K-12 districts move from ad-hoc response to consistent incident management.
“We need to act. Now.” 4 Takeaways from SecurED Schools 2025
January’s conference was packed with actionable cybersecurity insights. Here's what we learned from this year's conversation leaders – including K-12 tech leaders and national experts.
Using Reasonable Security Practices in K-12 Schools
Schools need a comprehensive framework to keep up with emerging cyber threats. This free resource includes 48 recommended controls – all vetted and aligned with globally-recognized standards.
Cybersecurity and the Day the Internet Died
"We've been hacked. It's bad." Guest Emily Flach lived it as a K-12 tech director. Learn from her experiences + hear Eric Muckensturm's strategies for safeguarding your school against evolving…
Extra Student Data Privacy Support with TEC
Protecting student data and achieving SOPPA compliance requires extra effort. We’re partnering with TEC to offe access to legal and negotiation support + over 2,000 pre-negotiated vendor agreements.
Strengthening Student Data Privacy with CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment Program
Starting now, Illinois school districts can get free data privacy guidance through CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program.
How Schools Can Increase Their Chances of Winning Federal Cybersecurity Funding
The application window for the Federal Communications Commission’s $200 million cybersecurity pilot could open at any moment.
Cybersecurity Crisis Response Groups: How They Can Keep your District Secure
In the event of a cyber incident, who ya gonna call? Unfortunately, the Ghostbusters can't help you here. But your friends and peers sure can. See how a cybersecurity crisis…
4 Cybersecurity Tips for School Staff & Students
Each October, the US recognizes Cybersecurity Awareness Month, a multi-week opportunity for everyone – including K-12 school districts – to recommit themselves to protecting digital networks and data. Here are…
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…
What Teachers Need to Know about SOPPA
This summer, Illinois' new SOPPA amendments will come into force, requiring districts to meet new standards for managing and protecting student data. But what role will teachers play in this…
Data Privacy Resources for 2021 and Beyond
In recognition of Data Privacy Day, the LTC team has gathered some of our most popular data privacy and cybersecurity resources into one place. Check out each of these overviews,…
“A Big Year Ahead” – Takeaways from SecurED Schools 2021
The 4th annual SecurED Schools conference concluded back on Thursday, January 14. Though this year’s gathering was held virtually, technology leaders from around Illinois still participated in plenty of insightful…
Achieving SOPPA Compliance with Reasonable Security Practices
The Learning Technology Center selected 43 security best practices that all districts should implement to comply with new SOPPA legislation.
Do You Understand the Legal Implications of Using Technology in Schools?
On October 30, 2019, more than 100 administrators, school personnel and educators came together at the DuPage Regional Office of Education to discuss the Legal Implications of Using Technology in…
October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month
It is National Cybersecurity Awareness Month. This year the theme is "Own IT. Secure IT. Protect IT.” Learn 5 ways we can all take collective responsibility and protect ourselves.
Checking the Checkboxes: NIST Cybersecurity Framework
Checklists are widely recognized as important tools for many professions, including K-12 cybersecurity.
Tech Check: Get Your Digital Life Organized
Get ready for summer, by checking in on your digital life!
Data and Security Summit
The Learning Technology Center hosted their second annual Data and Security Summit on January 16 in Tinley Park and January 17 in Effingham. Over 190 people came together to learn…
Illinois Student Privacy Alliance
The Learning Technology Center (LTC) formed the Illinois Student Privacy Alliance (ISPA). The ISPA is a collaboration of Illinois school districts that share common concerns around student privacy. The goal…
Purchasing Contracts
Contracts are facilitated by ILTPP, the LTC’s cooperative that leverages the collective buying power of Illinois K-12 schools to provide affordable, high-quality technology and digital learning resources through trusted vendor partnerships.
Direct Contract / Sole Source
ManagedMethods
Contract #ILTPP-25MM02
End Date: July 31, 2026
Category: Cybersecurity & Training
Competitively Bid (via AEPA)
Xpel: Cybersecurity & Training
Contract #AEPA 025-F
End Date: February 28, 2027
Category: Cybersecurity & Training
Competitively Bid (via AEPA)
ActZero: Cybersecurity & Training
Contract #AEPA 025-F
End Date: February 28, 2027
Category: Cybersecurity & Training
Direct Contract / Sole Source
Deledao
Contract #ILTPP 025DLD01
End Date: March 31, 2027
Category: Security Solutions
Competitively Bid (via AEPA)
Resolute Guard
Contract #AEPA 025-F
End Date: February 28, 2027
Category: Cybersecurity & Training
WBME
Competitively Bid (via AEPA)
SHI: Cybersecurity & Training
Contract #AEPA 025-F
End Date: February 28, 2027
Category: Cybersecurity & Training