Illinois Learning Technology Center Partners with CoSN to Enhance Student Data Privacy Practices

In an effort to prioritize student data privacy in Illinois, the Illinois Learning Technology Center (LTC) has collaborated with the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN) on a program aimed at improving student data privacy practices within school districts across the state. By enrolling in the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) State Partnership Program, Illinois is taking proactive steps to ensure that K-12 educational institutions have the necessary resources and guidance to establish and enhance their student data privacy programs.

This partnership signifies Illinois’ commitment to safeguarding the privacy of over 1.85 million students in the state, joining forces with the North Carolina Department of Instruction and the South Carolina Department of Education in similar initiatives. Through the TLE Partnership Program, LTC will be offering free TLE Seal applications to all districts in Illinois, enabling them to demonstrate their dedication to protecting student data privacy through rigorous policies and practices.

“It is critical to protect student privacy in today’s technological landscape, and we are thrilled to collaborate with CoSN on this important endeavor,” stated Tim McIlvain, Executive Director of the Learning Technology Center. “This partnership will provide our districts with expert guidance and resources to strengthen privacy protections for all Illinois students.”

CoSN’s TLE State Partnership Program equips state education agencies with exclusive state data privacy benchmarking reports that compare district student data privacy practices with those of current TLE Seal recipients. These reports offer valuable insight into areas of improvement for the districts, supported by resources tailored to address common challenges and enhance privacy practices.

Keith Krueger, CEO of the Consortium for School Networking, emphasized the significance of the partnership, stating, “Providing Illinois districts with essential tools, training, and resources is crucial to fostering a culture committed to enhancing privacy practices and protecting student information.”

The CoSN TLE Seal sets a high standard for student data privacy in K-12 school districts, requiring measurable steps to implement, maintain, and enhance organization-wide privacy practices. Recipients of the TLE Seal must demonstrate continuous improvement through a reapplication process every two years, ensuring ongoing commitment to data privacy standards.

CoSN, as the premier professional association for K-12 edtech leaders, plays a vital role in supporting districts through thought leadership, best practices, and advocacy tools. With a focus on promoting digital transformation and advocating for over 13 million students, CoSN continues to be a leading voice in K-12 education.

The CoSN Trusted Learning Environment State Partnership Program is designed to enhance district student data privacy practices by providing benchmarking reports and resources tailored to address areas of weakness. By offering free TLE applications for all districts, CoSN enables districts to receive customized feedback and gain recognition for their efforts in improving privacy practices.

The Learning Technology Center of Illinois is dedicated to supporting schools and districts in the state with technology integration and digital learning initiatives. Through collaborative partnerships and innovative programs, the LTC empowers educators to leverage technology effectively for improved teaching and learning outcomes, further emphasizing the importance of student data privacy in today’s educational landscape.

Overall, the partnership between the Illinois Learning Technology Center and CoSN represents a significant step towards enhancing student data privacy practices in Illinois school districts and promoting a culture of privacy protection and data security in K-12 education.

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