Data Security and Privacy

Technology has become an instrumental tool for the integration of 21st  century into student learning.  We use many tools for technology integration from Chromebooks, laptops, tablets,  software, apps, and websites.  It  is our responsibility to to keep students safe and secure while utilizing  district technology.  This includes but is not limited to protecting student data and privacy.

For Families

Know the Lingo

  • FERPA - The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and the FERPA regulations are found at 34 CFR Part 99.

  • COPA - Imposes certain requirements on operators of websites or online services directed to children under 13 years of age, and on operators of other websites or online services that have actual knowledge that they are collecting personal information online from a child under 13 years of age.

  • PPRA - The Protection of Pupil Rights Amendment (PPRA) applies to the programs and activities of a state education agency (SEA), local education agency (LEA), or other recipient of funds under any program funded by the U.S. Department of Education.  It governs the administration to students of a survey, analysis, or evaluation that concerns one or more of the following eight protected areas:

    1. political affiliations or beliefs of the student or the student’s parent;

    2. mental or psychological problems of the student or the student’s family;

    3. sex behavior or attitudes;

    4. illegal, anti-social, self-incriminating, or demeaning behavior;

    5. critical appraisals of other individuals with whom respondents have close family relationships;

    6. legally recognized privileged or analogous relationships, such as those of lawyers, physicians, and ministers;

    7. religious practices, affiliations, or beliefs of the student or student’s parent; or

    8. income (other than that required by law to determine eligibility for participation in a program or for receiving financial assistance under such program).

    PPRA also concerns marketing surveys and other areas of student privacy, parental access to information, and the administration of certain physical examinations to minors.  The rights under PPRA transfer from the parents to a student who is 18 years old or an emancipated minor under state law. - https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/faq/what-protection-pupil-rights-amendment-ppra


For Staff

The White Mountains Regional School District is dedicated to protecting student and staff personally identifiable information (PII).   Staff play an important role in this protection and could potentially be the last line of defense between a student and someone trying to steal information.   As staff integrates new digital tools into student learning, it is important to evaluate these tools to ensure they protect the privacy of those using it. Below you will find our approved list of digital tools and also a form to request an evaluation of a new tool that is not listed.

A staff member's best defense against potential online predators and thieves is being educated about the dangers and how to spot them. Below is a list of training resources to help staff identify threats.

Cyber Security Basics - Primex (You must log in)

iKEEPSAFE - Lesson 1

iKEEPSAFE - Lesson 2 Protecting Student Privacy While Using Online Educational Services - US Dept. of Education

Avoiding SPAM and PHISHING