What is SOPPA?
By Chris Rogers
What happens to the student data that we send to a third party vendor? Information like names, birthdates, etc... may be provided by Olympia to a third party like IXL, NWEA MAP, etc... What protections do those companies have in place to make sure that our student's data is not sold or freely given to others? This is exactly what SOPPA looks to address.
As part of SOPPA, these companies must enter into Data Privacy Agreements (DPA) with each district they work with. These agreements outline what data is stored, how it is protected, what the company can and cannot do with that data, and what they will do in the event of a data breach.
Data Privacy Agreements (DPA)
Unity Point 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 Unity Point currently holds, please click the following link.
What is SOPPA? An Introduction to the Student Online Personal Protection Act.
Effective July 1, 2021, school districts in Illinois will be required by the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA) to provide additional guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only (105 ILCS 85).
More information about SOPPA, data privacy, and the Learning Technology Center is available at ltcillinois.org.
Student Privacy 101: FERPA for Parents and Students
Ever have questions about your rights regarding education records? This short video highlights the key points of the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
Understanding COPPA
Attorney Emily Tabatabai of Orrick, Herrington & Sutcliffe LLP to explains how COPPA relates to schools and edtech providers and the importance of COPPA compliance.
E-rate and CIPA: Toolkit For Teachers
Teach students to be safe, smart, responsible digital citizens and help your school keep valuable E-Rate federal support for technology at the same time. Get started by watching the overview tutorial, then access engaging lessons in Common Sense Education's E-Rate Toolkit complete with lesson plans, handouts, videos, assessments, and parent tip sheets.