NEW RELEASE: CoSN 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report
The CoSN 2025 National Student Data Privacy Report provides results of an extensive survey of district representatives about their privacy expertise and district privacy practices. This one-of-a-kind report, divided into two parts, provides an unprecedented look into how districts are managing the critical task of safeguarding student data. Specifically, the report considers:
- Maturity of Privacy Practices
- Existing Supports
- Additional Support Needs
- Barriers to Improvement
- Benefits of the CoSN Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program
CoSN Privacy Champions
During this year's Data Privacy Week (January 21-27), we chose EdTech leaders to share their thoughts on Student Data Privacy. Several CoSN Data Privacy Champions are sharing their thoughts with you on the importance of Student Data Privacy. Our Champions include:
- Karyn Dobda, Director of Innovation and Strategic Initiatives, Quaker Valley School District
- Louis McDonald, Director of Technology Services, Fauquier County Public Schools
- Derrick Johnson, Director of IT Security, Fulton County Public Schools
- Dr. Karla Burkholder, Director of Technology, Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District
- Eugene Baker, CIO, Miami-Dade County Public Schools
Navigating the Complexities of Data Privacy
Protecting student data privacy is a critical and fundamental school system requirement. But addressing legal requirements and community expectations for student data privacy while encouraging data-driven decision-making and technology use is a significant challenge.
CoSN’s Student Data Privacy initiative provides the guidance you need to create and improve your student data privacy program while building confidence and trust in your technology program across your community.
CoSN Student Data Privacy Project Director: Linnette Attai, lattai@cosn.org
CoSN staff contact: Shelly Branstetter, Manager, Trusted Learning Environment, sbranstetter@cosn.org.
Privacy Fundamentals
Beyond the Basics: CoSN's Trusted Learning Environment Seal (TLE Seal)
Developed for K-12 school systems of all governance structures, the TLE Seal privacy framework was formed as a result of a collaborative effort from 28 school system leaders nationwide, as well as the TLE Program’s lead partners: AASA, The School Superintendents Association; the Association of School Business Officials International (ASBO); and ASCD.
Student Data Privacy Fundamentals (Parts 1, 2, & 3)
Navigating Updates on COPPA and Beyond: What K-12 Technology Leaders Need to Know Webinar Recording (Free for CoSN Members)
Privacy Resources
CoSN Student Data Privacy Professional Development Opportunities:
- Laying the Foundation Student Data Privacy, Facilitated Online Course
- Protecting Privacy: Improving Your Practice Facilitated, Online Course
- Making the Case for Data Privacy Workshop
- Why Data Privacy is more than IT?
- Creating a Culture of Student Data: Privacy Workshop
- Deep Dive into Federal Data Privacy Laws Privacy Workshop
- Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Application Online Workshop
CoSN also offers affordable customized courses & in-house professional development programs for schools or districts. We can provide nationally recognized subject matter expert instructors or fully developed courses for you to facilitate with in-house experts in our LMS.
Read More: Course Details, Syllabi & Self-Study Options. Register: CoSN Calendar* or Courses/Workshop Catalog *Subscribe to the CoSN Calendar at the bottom of the page.
Introducing the first article in our Incident Response Communications series! We offer both a deep dive and a quick summary. The summary outlines 10 key steps aligned with CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program to strengthen your district’s incident response plan.
Upskill your privacy leadership expertise with our latest installment in Student Data Privacy: Practices in Action—Getting Started with Privacy Leadership. Discover foundational strategies and actionable steps to strengthen privacy practices in your organization. Don’t miss this essential guide to elevate your knowledge!
Student Data Privacy Committee
This committee is member exclusive.
Transparency and Trust
Our Commitment to You: Clear Privacy Practices
Help your community better understand the steps you take to protect student data privacy with this infographic from CoSN and the National Public Relations Association (NSPRA). Answer key questions such as, “What student data is collected and why,” “How does education data support student success and school improvement,” and “How is education data protected?” Customizable, and available for download.
Build a Trusted Learning Environment with Parents
Download these quick tips for talking with parents about your privacy program and see how transparency will help change the privacy conversation from one of fear to trust.
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