ILSD Privacy and Data Security

Technology is a critical part of the 21st century classroom and with the implementation of our 1-to-1 Chromebook Program in grades 1-12, we believe there is great potential for the use of online apps/tools to improve teaching and learning. The ever increasing availability of online teaching and learning resources comes with inherent risks and concerns regarding student data, privacy and student work. We as a district have a responsibility to ensure that student's data and privacy is adequately protected while using any online digital resource for school work. The Inter-Lakes School District is providing the following information/resources for parents so that they can better understand what student data is, how student data is collected and used and the laws and practices that the district adheres to in order to protect student data and privacy.

• Our Commitment to You: Clear Privacy Practices

Student Data Privacy Resources for Parents

• Protecting Student Privacy (US Dept of Education)
• Data Quality Compaign- Why Education Data? (Data Quality Campaign)
• Student Privacy 101: FERPA for Parents and Students (US Dept of Education)
• A Parents Guide to Student Data Privacy (FerpaSherpa)
• Google GSuite for Education Privacy & Security Info (Google)

Inter-Lakes School District Student Data Privacy Practice

The Inter-Lakes School District oversees a wide range of information about students. The district manages personally identifiable information about students in accordance with the federal laws known as FERPA and COPPA. More information regarding federal and state laws, district policies and guidelines that address technology use and student data privacy can be found on the Policies & Procedures page. The Inter-Lakes School District will not share personally identifiable information with third party providers unless there is a "legitimate educational interest" for the student(s). Follow this link for a list of third party providers (educational software applications and tools) that are currently used in the district with specified grade levels. Links to websites, terms of use and privacy agreements for each third party are provided.

The Inter-Lakes School District has adopted a set of Standards for new online resources and a vetting process when evaluating new App/Online Tools for potential adoption. Only online apps/tools that are appropriate to meet the instructional goals, are well designed and meet the legal requirements to protect student privacy and data are approved for use by students. More detail information on the vetting process can be found on the Staff link above. In some cases, parents may receive a separate request from their teacher for permission to use an approved online application or tool with their student. Whenever possible, a student's school google account is used to access the online tool to limit personally identifiable information provided to the 3rd party.
 

Here are some recommended resources to assist families in keeping their children safe while online.

• Be Internet Awesome
• Common Sense Media
• Google Safety Center
• NetSmartz Parent/Guardian Workshop
• Stay Safe Online Parental Controls
• Webwise Internet Advice for Parents
• iKeepsafe

Digital Citizenship

Common Sense Education provides some wonderful resources on Digital Citizenship. The information below shows lessons and topics for learners all grade levels so while many digital citizenship lessons (not necessarily part of the Common Sense curriculum) are integrated throughout the district curriculum, we believe it is important to provide parents similar resources to continue the conversation at home.

Process for Adopting a New App/Tool

The process to adopt new online apps/tools for student use must be thoughtful. Only apps/tools that are appropriate to meet the instructional goals, are well designed and meet the legal requirements to protect student privacy and data will be approved. The Inter-Lakes School District has adopted a set of Standards when evaluating new App/Online Educational Tools. Before submitting a request for approval of a new App/Online Tool, staff should consider the following:

• • Does the App/Online Tool comply with the District’s Responsible Use Agreement?
  • Has the District already vetted and approved a similar App/Online Tool? If so, staff should use the already approved tool.
  • What’s the impact that this new App/Online Tool will have on instruction and student learning? Does it work across content areas and grades? Is it engaging? Does it have strong relevance to the curriculum and instructional goals?
  • Has the App/Online Tool been fully tested? It's important for the teacher to fully understand the student experience when using the tool to ensure that it works and is appropriate for the age group. Teachers should be aware of any personal information that might be requested if a student account is required to login.
  • Review the Privacy and Terms of Use for the Tool before seeking District approval. Use this checklist for reviewing Terms of Service and Privacy agreements before submitting for final approval.
  • Staff should speak with the DoIT team before using ANY new app/online tool with students and seek their assistance with the evaluation/vetting process. This includes any online tool that a student interacts with where they may be creating content and/or any site that requires any student login.

Once all the above has been considered, a request for approval of a new app/online tool can be submitted.
App Assessment & Request Tool (Google Form)

Approved Software Applications/Tools

Thanks to the NHCTO Council, the Inter-Lakes School District employs a service called the Student Data Privacy Coalition to inventory and certify the ability of application vendors to meet the strict NH data governance law requirements to vet software we employ in the course of our business responsibilities and academic mission. The software inventory can be found here: https://sdpc.a4l.org/district_listing.php?districtID=6881