Advocacy for LEAs & School Districts – Guidance on How Schools Can Push for Better Privacy Protections at the Local and State Levels
Local Education Agencies (LEAs) and school districts play a critical role in advocating for stronger student data privacy protections at both the local and state levels. As technology continues to shape the modern classroom, school administrators, IT leaders, and educators must ensure that student data is handled responsibly, security measures are enforced, and privacy policies remain up to date. Effective advocacy enables school districts to influence policy decisions, improve vendor accountability, and secure stronger privacy protections for students.
The National Student Data Privacy Association (NSDPA) provides schools and districts with the tools, resources, and strategies needed to advocate for stronger privacy policies, ensuring that student data remains secure and protected.
Why Schools & Districts Should Advocate for Student Privacy
Schools are at the forefront of student data collection and management, making them key stakeholders in privacy advocacy efforts. Without active participation from LEAs, privacy policies may be shaped without adequate consideration of real-world classroom needs. By advocating for stronger privacy protections, school districts can:
Ensure that EdTech vendors prioritize privacy and security in their products.
Promote stronger local and state privacy laws that reflect the needs of educators, students, and parents.
Hold vendors accountable for data handling practices through transparency and standardized agreements.
Encourage state and federal agencies to allocate funding for cybersecurity training and privacy education.
Ensure that parents and students have a clear understanding of their privacy rights and how their data is used.
How LEAs & Districts Can Advocate for Better Privacy Protections
To strengthen student data privacy protections, school districts should actively engage in advocacy efforts through the following strategies:
Work with State Legislators: Engage with local and state representatives to push for stronger student data privacy laws.
Standardize Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs): Advocate for statewide DPAs to ensure consistent privacy protections across districts.
Educate School Boards & Administrators: Provide privacy training for school leadership to ensure that privacy policies are properly implemented and enforced.
Join Privacy Coalitions: Collaborate with other school districts, privacy organizations, and parent advocacy groups to push for stronger policies.
Require Vendor Transparency: Demand that EdTech providers disclose their data handling practices, security measures, and third-party data-sharing agreements.
Actionable Steps for LEAs to Improve Privacy Advocacy
LEAs looking to improve their privacy advocacy efforts should focus on three key areas: policy engagement, vendor accountability, and community awareness. Below are practical steps for school districts to take action:
Step 1: Engage with Policymakers
Attend state education board meetings and legislative hearings on student privacy.
Provide testimony on the impact of weak privacy protections on student safety.
Submit formal recommendations for new privacy laws and amendments to existing policies.
Step 2: Strengthen Vendor Privacy Requirements
Require vendors to sign Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) that define strict data security standards.
Mandate vendor privacy scorecards to evaluate EdTech providers based on transparency and compliance.
Work with other districts to negotiate privacy-first contracts with technology providers.
Step 3: Educate Parents & Staff on Privacy Rights
Host privacy awareness workshops for parents and educators.
Distribute privacy resources and toolkits that explain student data protection laws.
Ensure that teachers are trained on best practices for handling student data securely.
How NSDPA Supports School Privacy Advocacy
NSDPA provides direct support to school districts by offering training, legislative updates, and compliance guidance to help schools advocate effectively. Our advocacy support includes:
Privacy Policy Templates & Resources: Ready-to-use materials for schools to implement and advocate for stronger privacy policies.
Legislative Tracking & Updates: Regular reports on state and federal privacy laws impacting K-12 education.
Vendor Accountability Initiatives: NSDPA helps schools evaluate EdTech vendors and advocate for stronger vendor transparency requirements.
State & National Advocacy Coalitions: Opportunities to join working groups focused on pushing for stronger privacy laws.
LEAs and school districts across the country have successfully influenced student privacy policies through advocacy. Some recent success stories include:
Illinois school districts successfully pushed for SOPPA amendments, requiring vendors to disclose data-sharing practices.
California districts worked with legislators to strengthen SOPIPA, ensuring EdTech companies cannot monetize student data.
New York schools helped expand Education Law §2-d, requiring increased vendor accountability and security standards.
How Schools Can Get Involved
School districts looking to expand their advocacy efforts can partner with NSDPA to gain access to training, policy support, and legislative engagement opportunities. Schools can:
Join NSDPA’s school district working groups to collaborate with other privacy-focused educators.
Participate in policy forums where school leaders discuss emerging privacy challenges and solutions.
Engage with state legislators to advocate for stronger privacy laws and funding for cybersecurity initiatives.
Become a Privacy Advocate Today!
Protecting student data requires strong leadership from school districts and LEAs. By engaging in advocacy, schools can ensure stronger privacy protections, influence policy decisions, and hold vendors accountable.
Join NSDPA’s Advocacy Network to receive legislative updates, training resources, and policy recommendations to help your district become a leader in student data privacy advocacy.
Engaging with Policymakers – How Educators, Administrators, and Tech Leaders Can Communicate with Lawmakers About Privacy Concerns
Ensuring strong student data privacy protections requires direct engagement with local, state, and federal policymakers. Educators, school administrators, and technology leaders play a vital role in shaping privacy legislation by raising awareness of real-world challenges, advocating for stronger laws, and providing expert input on policy decisions. By effectively communicating with lawmakers, education stakeholders can help pass privacy-first legislation, enforce stronger vendor accountability, and secure funding for privacy initiatives.
The National Student Data Privacy Association (NSDPA) provides guidance and resources to help schools, districts, and EdTech leaders engage with legislators and influence student privacy policies. Below are best practices for working with policymakers at the local, state, and federal levels to improve student data privacy protections.
Why Engaging with Policymakers Matters
Without input from educators, administrators, and technology professionals, student data privacy laws may not reflect the practical needs of schools or the technological realities of EdTech solutions. Engaging with policymakers ensures that:
Privacy laws are realistic, enforceable, and adaptable to modern education technology.
School districts and vendors understand compliance obligations before policies take effect.
Legislators prioritize funding for cybersecurity, privacy training, and compliance resources.
Policymakers hear directly from education leaders who experience privacy challenges firsthand.
Best Practices for Engaging with Policymakers
Educators and school officials should use strategic communication techniques when discussing privacy concerns with lawmakers. Below are key strategies for effectively engaging with policymakers:
1. Build Relationships with Lawmakers: Establish connections with state legislators, congressional representatives, and education policy advisors who influence student privacy laws.
2. Stay Informed on Privacy Legislation: Track proposed bills, policy updates, and regulatory changes affecting student data privacy.
3. Provide Real-World Case Studies: Share examples of privacy challenges in schools, including vendor noncompliance, security breaches, and outdated policies.
4. Offer Policy Recommendations: Present practical solutions for improving student data protections, such as stronger encryption requirements, vendor transparency mandates, and parental opt-out provisions.
5. Participate in Public Hearings & Comment Periods: Submit written statements, attend public hearings, and provide testimony to support privacy-focused legislation.
Key Policy Topics to Discuss with Lawmakers
When meeting with policymakers, education leaders should focus on specific privacy issues and legislative priorities. Key topics to discuss include:
Standardizing Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs): Advocating for statewide or national DPA templates to simplify vendor compliance.
Limiting Third-Party Data Sharing: Pushing for stricter regulations on how vendors share student data with advertisers and third parties.
Reforming FERPA & COPPA: Calling for modernized federal privacy laws that reflect digital learning realities.
Requiring Vendor Transparency: Supporting laws that mandate EdTech providers disclose data collection, retention, and security practices.
Securing State & Federal Funding for Cybersecurity: Ensuring schools receive resources for security upgrades, staff training, and privacy audits.
How to Schedule Meetings with Policymakers
Meeting directly with legislators and their staff is one of the most effective ways to influence policy decisions. Here’s how school leaders and EdTech professionals can set up effective policy meetings:
Step 1: Identify relevant lawmakers who sit on education, technology, and privacy committees.
Step 2: Request a meeting via email or phone, outlining the key student privacy concerns you want to discuss.
Step 3: Prepare a one-page policy brief summarizing privacy challenges, legislative solutions, and key recommendations.
Step 4: During the meeting, share real-world examples, highlight risks, and offer practical policy fixes.
Step 5: Follow up with an email reinforcing key discussion points and providing additional privacy resources.
Using Public Comment Periods to Influence Policy
Many federal and state agencies request public feedback on proposed privacy regulations before finalizing laws. Schools and EdTech vendors can submit formal comments to influence rulemaking decisions. Key steps include:
Monitoring education and privacy policy announcements for public comment opportunities.
Submitting written statements explaining how proposed rules will impact schools and vendors.
Joining coalitions of school districts, legal experts, and advocacy groups to present unified recommendations.
How NSDPA Supports Educators & Tech Leaders in Policy Engagement
NSDPA provides schools, administrators, and EdTech vendors with advocacy resources to improve their engagement with policymakers. Our policy engagement tools include:
Legislative Updates & Policy Briefings: Regular reports on state and federal privacy legislation.
Privacy Policy Templates & Advocacy Toolkits: Pre-made materials for educators to use in meetings with lawmakers.
Training on Legislative Engagement: Webinars and workshops on how to advocate effectively for student data privacy laws.
Guidance on Public Comment Submissions: Step-by-step support for drafting impactful public policy comments.
Recent Wins: Policy Changes Driven by Educator & Vendor Advocacy
Educators, administrators, and EdTech leaders have successfully influenced student privacy laws through advocacy. Some recent victories include:
California school districts pushed for SOPIPA amendments, requiring more vendor transparency.
New York educators worked with legislators to expand Education Law §2-d, enforcing stricter breach reporting standards.
Join NSDPA’s Advocacy Network
Education stakeholders must remain proactive in advocating for stronger student data protections. NSDPA invites schools, administrators, and EdTech vendors to join our advocacy network, attend policy briefings, and participate in legislative discussions.
Be Part of the Privacy Policy Conversation! Get involved in NSDPA’s legislative engagement efforts and help shape student data privacy protections nationwide.
Industry Standards & Vendor Responsibility – The Role of EdTech Companies in Shaping Privacy-First Practices and Policies
Educational technology (EdTech) vendors play a crucial role in protecting student data privacy and ensuring compliance with evolving laws and industry standards. As schools increasingly rely on digital tools for learning, assessment, and administration, EdTech companies must take proactive steps to integrate privacy-first practices into their products, services, and data policies. Failing to prioritize data protection not only puts students at risk but also leads to regulatory scrutiny, reputational damage, and loss of trust from schools and parents.
The National Student Data Privacy Association (NSDPA) advocates for higher industry standards, greater vendor transparency, and stronger privacy protections across the EdTech sector. By working with vendors, policymakers, and school districts, NSDPA helps shape privacy-first practices that ensure compliance while supporting innovation in education technology.
The Responsibility of EdTech Vendors in Student Privacy
EdTech vendors handle vast amounts of personally identifiable information (PII), including student names, academic records, behavioral data, and device usage patterns. Vendors must recognize that student data is not just business information—it is sensitive and legally protected data that requires the highest level of security and ethical handling.
Key responsibilities for EdTech vendors include:
Ensuring Compliance with Privacy Laws: Adhering to FERPA, COPPA, PPRA, state-specific privacy laws, and global data protection standards.
Implementing Data Minimization Principles: Collecting only the minimum amount of student data necessary for educational purposes.
Enhancing Data Security Measures: Using encryption, multi-factor authentication, access controls, and regular security audits.
Providing Transparency to Schools & Parents: Clearly explaining data collection, retention, third-party sharing, and security practices.
Signing and Honoring Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs): Entering into legally binding agreements with schools to uphold strict privacy protections.
Supporting Schools in Compliance Efforts: Offering privacy training, clear documentation, and customizable settings to help districts meet their obligations.
Industry Standards for Privacy-First EdTech Practices
To build trust with schools, parents, and policymakers, EdTech vendors must adhere to recognized privacy standards and best practices. Industry groups, including NSDPA, have developed frameworks that vendors can follow to align with legal and ethical expectations.
Key industry standards include:
Student Data Privacy Pledge 2020: A commitment by vendors to not sell student data, use data for targeted advertising, or retain student records unnecessarily.
International Standards (ISO 27001 & SOC 2): Security frameworks that require strong encryption, access controls, and incident response planning.
Statewide Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs): Standardized vendor-school contracts that enforce privacy expectations across multiple districts.
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Guidelines for EdTech: Recommendations on COPPA compliance, parental consent, and student data transparency.
NSDPA’s Vendor Privacy Scorecards: A rating system for EdTech companies based on their adherence to privacy standards and transparency practices.
The Need for Vendor Transparency & Accountability
Schools often struggle to evaluate how EdTech vendors handle student data due to complex privacy policies, vague data-sharing disclosures, and inconsistent contract terms. Vendors can build trust by prioritizing transparency and accountability through the following actions:
Publishing Clear Privacy Policies: Providing concise, easy-to-understand privacy statements detailing how student data is used and protected.
Providing Schools with Control Over Data: Allowing districts to configure privacy settings, manage permissions, and request data deletion.
Committing to Data Retention Limits: Clearly defining how long student data is retained and when it is permanently deleted.
Enforcing Strict Vendor-Subcontractor Agreements: Ensuring that third-party providers also comply with student privacy laws.
How Schools Can Hold Vendors Accountable
Schools and districts must take a proactive approach in evaluating EdTech vendors before adopting new tools. Strategies for ensuring vendor accountability include:
Requiring vendors to sign Data Privacy Agreements (DPAs) that specify data usage limitations, security measures, and compliance commitments.
Using NSDPA’s Vendor Privacy Scorecards to evaluate EdTech providers before approving them for use.
Conducting annual vendor privacy reviews to ensure ongoing compliance with legal requirements.
Implementing parental notification policies whenever a new vendor accesses student data.
Requesting independent security audits for vendors handling large-scale student data.
How NSDPA Supports Vendor Accountability
NSDPA works with schools, districts, and policymakers to establish clear expectations for EdTech companies. Our vendor accountability initiatives include:
Developing model DPAs that ensure schools and vendors have strong, enforceable privacy contracts.
Providing training for school districts on evaluating vendor compliance and negotiating privacy agreements.
Advocating for stronger regulations that require EdTech vendors to publicly disclose their data protection policies.
Working with policymakers to set statewide privacy frameworks that standardize vendor requirements across multiple districts.
Encouraging Privacy-First Innovation in EdTech
EdTech vendors can gain a competitive advantage by embracing privacy-first product design. Schools are more likely to adopt solutions that prioritize strong security, minimal data collection, and transparency. Vendors can lead in privacy innovation by:
Designing products with default privacy settings that minimize data exposure.
Using zero-trust security models to prevent unauthorized data access.
Incorporating anonymous data collection methods where possible.
Offering privacy dashboards that allow schools and parents to review and control student data usage.
Join NSDPA in Advocating for Privacy-First EdTech
NSDPA works with schools, vendors, and policymakers to create privacy-first standards that protect students while allowing responsible innovation in education technology.
Get Involved Today! Join NSDPA’s vendor accountability initiatives, policy discussions, and privacy-first innovation efforts to help shape the future of privacy-focused education technology.
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