Technology

Students - Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA)

Student Data Privacy; Notice to Parents About Educational Technology Vendors

Annual Notice to Parents about Educational Technology Vendors Under the Student Online Personal Protection Act

School districts throughout the State of Illinois contract with different educational technology vendors for beneficial K-12 purposes such as providing personalized learning and innovative educational technologies, and increasing efficiency in school operations.

Under Illinois’ Student Online Personal Protection Act, or SOPPA (105 ILCS 85/), educational technology vendors and other entities that operate Internet websites, online services, online applications, or mobile applications that are designed, marketed, and primarily used for K-12 school purposes are referred to in SOPPA as operators. SOPPA is intended to ensure that student data collected by operators is protected, and it requires those vendors, as well as school districts and the Ill. State Board of Education, to take a number of actions to protect online student data.

Depending upon the particular educational technology being used, our District may need to collect different types of student data, which is then shared with educational technology vendors through their online sites, services, and/or applications. Under SOPPA, educational technology vendors are prohibited from selling or renting a student’s information or from engaging in targeted advertising using a student’s information. Such vendors may only disclose student data for K-12 school purposes and other limited purposes permitted under the law.

In general terms, the types of student data that may be collected and shared include personally identifiable information (PII) about students or information that can be linked to PII about students, such as:

• Basic identifying information, including student or parent/guardian name and student or parent/guardian contact information, username/password, student ID number
• Demographic information
• Enrollment information
• Assessment data, grades, and transcripts
• Attendance and class schedule
• Academic/extracurricular activities
• Special indicators (e.g., disability information, English language learner, free/reduced meals or homeless/foster care status)
• Conduct/behavioral data
• Health information
• Food purchases
• Transportation information
• In-application performance data
• Student-generated work
• Online communications
• Application metadata and application use statistics
• Permanent and temporary school student record information
   

Operators may collect and use student data only for K-12 purposes, which are purposes that aid in the administration of school activities, such as:

• Instruction in the classroom or at home (including remote learning)
• Administrative activities
• Collaboration between students, school personnel, and/or parents/guardians
• Other activities that are for the use and benefit of the school district

What are Data Privacy Agreements (DPA)?

Mundelein School District 75 leverages the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC), which is an unique collaborative of schools, districts, regional, territories and state agencies, policy makers, trade organizations and marketplace providers addressing real-world, adaptable, and implementable solutions to growing data privacy concerns. If you would like to read more about the SDPC, click here. Through the SDPC we enter into contracts with 3rd party vendors who handle our student's data. If you would like to view the DPAs that Mundelein School District 75 currently holds, please click the following link: Mundelein School District 75 Data Privacy Agreements

Important Data Privacy Laws

• Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA): Guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only.
• Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA): Restricts the collection of personal information from children under 13 by companies operating websites, games, mobile applications, and digital services that are directed to children or that collect personal information from individuals known to be children.
• Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA): Imposes certain requirements on schools that utilize the federal E-Rate program to receive discounts for internet access and other technology services, or that receive federal grants for other technology expenses.
• Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA): Governs information in a student’s education record, restricting access and use of student information

Acceptable Use Policy

Dear Parents,

The Internet is a powerful educational tool, providing worldwide access to museums, libraries, news, events, and other useful and current resources. Therefore, the use of computer technology and the Internet is extremely important and is integral part of the mission of District 75.

At the same time, there have been concerns about children accessing offensive Internet material, as well as crime, abuse, or harassment occurring over the Internet. We acknowledge the concerns that you may have and want to assure you that precautions have been taken so that this will not occur. Students will be supervised and monitored while using the Internet. Primary level students will be restricted to sites that have been screened and approved by the individual classroom teachers.

Students and their parents/guardians are reminded that use of district technology is a privilege, not a right. All activity performed on any district owned computer, network, or electronic communication device may be monitored by school authorities. Inappropriate use of district technology can result in limited or banned computer use, disciplinary consequences, and/or legal action.

With this educational opportunity also comes responsibility. You and your child will need to read and discuss the following information:

Terms and Conditions for Acceptable Use

1. Access to the Internet at District 75 must be for educational purposes.
2. The use of the District's Internet access is a privilege, and inappropriate or illegal use will result in a cancellation of those privileges.
3. Students must follow certain rules of etiquette, including, but not restricted to, the use of appropriate language, not revealing personal addresses or telephone numbers of self or others, using only your own personal log-in and password, understanding that e-mail sent and received at school must be related to classroom activities, and an understanding that e-mail is not private.
4. Using the network or educational software for bullying, harassment, or any illegal activity, including violation of copyright, plagiarism or transmitting any material in violation of any U.S. or state regulation is prohibited.
5. Using another person's password and personal identification is also prohibited.

Ownership of the Chromebook

District 75 retains sole right of possession of the Chromebooks. The Chromebooks are lent to the students for educational purposes only for the academic year. Moreover, District 75 administrative staff and faculty retain the right to collect and/or inspect Chromebooks at any time, including via electronic remote access and to alter, add, or delete installed software or hardware. Loss, theft, and damage to the Chromebook is the responsibility of the student and parent, and will result in being charged for the replacement device and/or a police report being filed.

All students will turn in their Chromebooks and accessories at the end of the year. Should the student leave District 75 prior to the end of the school year, the device and accessories must be turned in on the last date of student attendance. If the Chromebook and/or all accessories are not returned in working order, parent/guardian will be charged for a full replacement.