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Data Privacy & Governance

Updates and resources on student data privacy compliance, including SOPPA, the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC), and cyber incident response.

More in Data Privacy & Governance

Services
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
Service

Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC)

Join SDPC to manage data privacy agreements in accordance with SOPPA.

Free
Resources
ResourceNew

ISBE AI Guidance Quick Hits

A two-page summary of ISBE’s July 2026 Artificial Intelligence Guidance: the four foundational tenets and four operational guardrails district leaders need to know.

Guidance · Handout/Worksheet
ResourceNew

AI Toolkit

A curated, practical collection of AI guidance, frameworks, sample policies, lessons, tools, and professional learning for Illinois K-12 policy makers, district leaders, and teachers.

Guidance · Resource Collections
ResourceNew

Sample AI Readiness Communications

Adaptable communication templates to help K–12 districts explain AI use to families, staff, students, board members, and vendors. Includes sample letters, FAQs, staff memos, student agreements, vendor questions, and incident-response messages to customize for local…

Guidance · Resource Collections
Resource

AI in Illinois Schools (SB 1920 and SB 2909)

This legislative brief summarizes two Illinois laws shaping artificial intelligence in schools, including general guidance for K-12 schools, updates to internet safety instruction to address deepfakes, and use of AI in teacher evaluations.

Guidance
Resource

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.

Best Practices · Standards
Resource

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.

Resource Collections
Resource

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.

Best Practices · Standards · Video
Resource

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.

Best Practices · Standards
Resource

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.

Guidance
Resource

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.

Guidance
Events
Event

AI Panel: Navigating AI’s Impacts on School Networks and Curriculum

Oct 22, 2026 Online Free

Led by a security expert, an IT leader, and an administrator, this conversation will explore how to enforce essential data privacy controls and network boundaries in light of AI's growing classroom impact.

Artificial Intelligence
Event

2027 SecurED Schools

Feb 2–3, 2027 Online $75

Increased reliance on technology to empower learning means increased risk. At SecurED Schools, you can prepare your institution to face that risk head on.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event

SOPPA/SDPC Back-to-School Updates

Sep 23, 2026 Online Free

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…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event

SecurED Schools

Feb 2–3, 2027 Online $75

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…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event

SDPC Status Report: Registry Updates, NDPA 2.3 & More

Apr 8, 2026 Online Free

Critical updates to the way Illinois school's manage student data privacy are just around the corner. Tune in to stay ahead of the curve on the forthcoming NDPA 2.3 and Registry 2.0.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event

SDPC Regional School District Training

Dec 10, 2025 Online Free

Join us for the A4L Regional School District Training, a focused and interactive event designed for school districts across Illinois, Tennessee, and Missouri.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event

SecurED Schools

Jan 27–28, 2026 Online $75

Join K–12 technology leaders at SecurED Schools (Jan. 27–28, 2026) for hands-on sessions with national experts and practical strategies to strengthen your district’s cybersecurity and data privacy.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Event

Be Connected: Auditing your IT Department

Dec 17, 2025 Online Free

Ever wonder how your IT department stacks up against best practices, or where your biggest blind spots might be hiding?

Network & Systems Management
Event

Be Connected: Hyperconverged Infrastructure – Pros & Cons for Schools

Dec 3, 2025 Online Free

Considering a new data center architecture for your school district? Let's discuss a practical option on this week's Be Connected.

Network & Systems Management
Event

Be Connected: IETC Recap

Nov 19, 2025 Online Free

Join us to share your favorite IETC sessions and talk about the most exciting new products you saw in the Exhibit Hall. This a perfect opportunity to share what you learned and get a jumpstart…

Leadership & Capacity Building
Event

Be Connected: Considerations for Cybersecurity Insurance Policies

Nov 5, 2025 Online Free

Join us on this week's Be Connected for a discussion on what to consider when shopping for a policy, including the essential security controls and practices that insurers now expect. We'll also offer some suggestions…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Articles
Blog Post
October 6, 2026 3 min read

Student Data Privacy Laws Every District Leader Should Know

A quick guide to the federal and Illinois student data privacy laws district leaders should know, plus a brief with citations for each.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
March 26, 2026 5 min read

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.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
February 13, 2025 8 min read

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.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
February 4, 2025 8 min read

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.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
November 8, 2024 5 min read

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.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
October 30, 2024 5 min read

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.

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
January 10, 2022 6 min read

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…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
January 28, 2021 8 min read

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,…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
January 23, 2019 5 min read

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…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity
Blog Post
December 3, 2018 3 min read

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…

Data Privacy & Cybersecurity