Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal Program
Free Access to CoSN’s TLE Seal Program
The Learning Technology Center has partnered with the Consortium for School Network (CoSN) to provide all Illinois K-12 schools with free access to earn Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seals, showing their commitment to student data privacy.
CoSN’s TLE Seal Program is a student data privacy framework designed to support LEAs in building and maintaining mature student data privacy programs. Designed by CoSN in partnership with AASA, ASBO, and ASCD, with input from 28 LEA technology leaders, it is the only student data privacy framework created to meet the specific needs of LEAs.
Earning the TLE Seal requires providing evidence of mature student data privacy practices across 25 specific requirements that reach across multiple facets of the organization. There are 25 specific practice requirements, and each LEA that applies for the TLE Seal receives feedback explaining how their application was scored, recommendations for improvement inclusive of free resources, and a benchmarking report comparing their scores to the aggregated scores of all TLE Seal recipients.
The TLE Seal Program supports LEAs in building and improving their student data privacy programs, building trust in the community with respect to their student data privacy efforts, and staying committed to ongoing improvements over time.
Benefit for Districts
Free Applications and Renewals
Receive access to an unlimited number of free applications and renewals for the CoSN TLE Seal program to drive implementation of institution-wide student data privacy programs until 6/30/2026.
Guidance
Receive customized feedback on your application, including free resources to help you improve and a benchmarking report comparing your scores to the aggregated scores of all TLE Seal recipients.
Cross-Team Collaboration
Working through the CoSN TLE Seal Program application becomes an exercise in cross-functional collaboration, strengthening ties and emphasizing leadership commitment to the work throughout the organization.
Build Trust
Earning the TLE Seal tells your community that the school system is taking tangible steps to protect the privacy of student data and is committed to making ongoing improvements. Change the conversation in your community from fear about privacy to one based on transparency and trust in your efforts.
Getting Started
Learn About the Seal
Visit CoSN’s webpage to learn about the Trusted Learning Environment Seal Program.
Select Your Program
Choose one of these two options:
- Apply for the full CoSN TLE Seal by demonstrating mature practices across the five core practice areas of Leadership, Business, Data Security, Professional Development, and Classroom.
- Choose to earn a TLE Mini Seal in one practice area at a time.
Request a Code & Get Started
Complete the form below to request an access code and start once you receive the email. Note that you must be logged into the LTC website to see the submission form.
Ask for Help
Ask fellow technology leaders for assistance when you have questions. Although the LTC does not provide training that specifically addresses the TLE, we can also provide guidance as needed.