Extra Student Data Privacy Support with TEC

08 Nov 2024 5 min read
Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center
Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center

Protecting student data privacy is not just a priority for schools—it’s a responsibility. Safeguarding sensitive information requires extra effort, too, which is why we’re partnering with The Education Cooperative (TEC) to offer a robust new service that simplifies compliance with student data privacy standards.

This enhanced service equips districts with the tools, expertise, and legal resources needed to meet evolving privacy requirements – including SOPPA.

Supplementing SDPC

Through our new Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC) add-on service, Illinois schools gain streamlined access to TEC’s well-established resources and a broader network of vendor agreements. 

From start to finish, this add-on can simplify your NDPA process while ensuring every privacy agreement is consistent, durable, and in line with your district’s data management goals.

“One of the most frequent requests we receive from districts regarding SOPPA compliance is the need for more assistance for managing the SDPC database,” says Duane Shaffer, the LTC’s Director of Technology Services. “Now we have a service to meet this need.” 

Four New Services

With our SDPC add-on, schools can leverage these four services to simplify and strengthen their data management process:

1. Simplified NDPA Processing

Navigating the National Data Privacy Agreement (NDPA) can be complex, but TEC takes the hassle out of the process. TEC assists schools with setting up agreements with vendors that access student data, ensuring that privacy compliance is achieved quickly and efficiently.

2. Vendor Negotiation Services

TEC works directly with vendors to negotiate terms on behalf of schools. This ensures student data is protected by strong privacy provisions without placing the burden of negotiation on district staff.

3. Legal Support

Schools enrolled in the add-on service can enjoy greater peace of mind with access to TEC’s basic legal services for NDPA agreements. This legal guidance helps districts feel confident that their contracts meet all necessary requirements before signing them.

4. Access to Over 2,000 Vendor Agreements

TEC’s vast library of pre-established vendor agreements can jump start your privacy agreement process every time your district adds a new tech tool. Instead of negotiating new terms with every vendor, schools can leverage existing agreements, saving both time and effort.

A Commitment to Data Privacy

Together with TEC, we’re committed to making data privacy compliance more manageable for all Illinois schools.

To enroll or learn more about our SDPC add-on, visit our service page or explore how SDPC’s free database can help your district achieve SOPPA compliance.

Eager to discover even more current data privacy resources and strategies?

Join fellow technology leaders this January at SecurED Schools, a virtual conference focused on K-12 cybersecurity and data privacy. 

Register now to hear from this year’s keynote speaker – Tony Collings from the US Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) →

Duane Shaffer
Duane Shaffer
Director of Technology Services, Learning Technology Center

Duane leads and supports events, programs, and initiatives related to network infrastructure, data privacy, cybersecurity, technical support, and technology services.

Sam Fishel
Sam Fishel
Digital Content Manager, Learning Technology Center

Sam leads and supports the execution and growth of LTC services through the development and creation of innovative, impactful, and timely digital content.