Student Data Privacy
Protecting student data is a top priority in the Ottawa Elementary School District. The purpose of this page is to inform the community how OES 141 protects student data and complies with the law. This page is intended to give a brief overview. For a more in-depth understanding of the laws, please follow the links provided.
What is student data?
Student data is any information collected about the student. Schools have always used student data, with enhancing technology and procedures many of that data is now stored on computers or online instead of papers in filing cabinets.
Who uses student data?
Ottawa Elementary School District 141, Illinois Department of Education, and the US Department of Education all use student data. The short video below gives an overview of what type of information each level uses and how it helps better the education of the student.
How and why is student data used?
Student data enhances our ability as educators to ensure the student is getting the personalized learning experience the student deserves. Administratively, OES uses student data for services such as registration, course scheduling, counseling, attendance, school lunch program, transportation services, etc. Instructionally, teachers use data for a more personalized learning experience for students. This could include an online service approved by the district. Student data is also used for assessment and measurement through standardized tests, course assessments, etc.
Different Types of Data
Personally identifiable information refers to information that could identify your student. This includes but is not limited to; their name, the student's address, the parent or family members' names and address, birth date, email address, phone numbers, social security address, photographs, geological location, etc.
De-identified data is data the removes any personally identifiable information from student data to prevent the unintended identity of the student from being exposed.
Aggregated data is summarized information about a group of students. This data does not include any identifiable information on individual students.
The Laws
As technology is changing and becoming more common in the classroom, the law must change to protect our students. OES District 141 continues to work diligently to meet the requirements of every law to ensure the online safety of our students.
Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
FERPA is a federal law that protects the privacy of parents and students. FERPA protects the information collected by schools and gives parents a right to see that data.
Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
Restricts the collection of personal information from children under 13 by companies operating services intended for children's use.
Children's Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
Requirements that are needed in order to qualify for federal E-Rate programs to receive discounts for technology services through federal grants.
Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA)
Guarantees that student data is protected while using educational technology services. Gives parents and guardians the right to have access to their student's data. Requires school districts to inform the public of any data breaches.
Helpful links
SOPPA at Ottawa Elementary School District 141
Since OES 141 is completely 1:1, we use various third-party vendors to get the full 1:1 experience. But what happens to the student data that the third-party vendor collects?
SOPPA's purpose is to inform the vendor what they can do with the data they collect. Each company OES 141 uses must enter into a Data Privacy Agreement (DPA). These agreements outline what data is stored, how it is protected, what the company can and cannot do with the data, and what they will do in the event of a data breach.