Strengthening Student Data Privacy with CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment Program

Student data privacy is top of mind for many K-12 leaders. With data breaches and targeted cyber attacks becoming more frequent, educational leaders need clear, measurable, and up-to-date guidance on how to best keep student data secure.

Starting now, Illinois school districts can obtain that guidance for free with the Consortium for School Networking (CoSN)’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program.

Through a new partnership between the Learning Technology Center (LTC) and CoSN, all Illinois districts gain access to a data privacy framework rich with guidance and best practices tailored to school systems’ unique needs.

Using this framework, K-12 districts can confidently develop their own privacy program while fostering a culture of trust and transparency throughout the school community.

“Protecting student privacy is a top priority in Illinois,” says LTC Executive Director Tim McIlvain. “By joining CoSN’s TLE State Partnership Program, we are equipping Illinois schools with the tools and resources they need to maintain strong privacy practices and build trust within their communities.”

CoSN’s Trusted Learning Environment (TLE) Seal program is a national framework designed to build, maintain, and improve data privacy practices in school environments. The TLE program is the US’ only data privacy framework designed specifically for school systems, making it an invaluable asset for districts of all sizes.

Developed with input from key education organizations like AASA, ASBO, and ASCD, the program helps districts establish high standards for safeguarding student data across five core areas:

• • Leadership
  • Business Practices
  • Data Security
  • Professional Development
  • Classroom Practices

To earn the TLE Seal, districts must submit an application demonstrating compliance with 25 specific privacy requirements ranging from leadership expectations to protocols for data transfers. Districts can also apply for Mini Seals, which focus on each core area individually.

Each district then receives personalized feedback, whether they earn the seal or not. This feedback comes paired with free resources for improvement and benchmarking reports that compare applicant’s efforts with actionable best practices. This structure ensures a continuous cycle of reflection, improvement, and accountability as districts strive toward mature data privacy practices.

Through our partnership, Illinois districts gain:

• • Unlimited Free Applications and Renewals | All districts can apply for the TLE Seal or Mini Seals without cost until June 30, 2026. Districts can also re-apply at no additional cost if they do not earn a Seal on their first try.
  • Benchmarking Reports and Customized Feedback | Districts receive in-depth reports and recommendations for strengthening their privacy practices.
  • Cross-Team Collaboration | Applying for the TLE Seal encourages teamwork across departments, reinforcing district leadership’s commitment to student privacy.
  • Building Trust with Communities | The TLE Seal demonstrates that districts are taking proactive steps to protect student data, fostering transparency and confidence across the entire school community.

No matter your district’s size or data privacy experience, working toward the TLE Seal is an achievable goal. Here’s how your district can get started today:

1. Learn More – Visit CoSN’s website to learn more about the TLE Seal, including its institution-wide benefits.
2. Select your Program – Apply for the full TLE Seal, which covers all five core practice areas, or a Mini Seal, which focuses on individual core practice areas.
3. Apply with Free Access – Use our state-provided code for unlimited applications until June 30, 2026.
4. Ask for Help – Whether you need help applying or enhancing your district’s data privacy protocols, the LTC team is ready to support you. Reach out to our Technology Services team if you need guidance during the process.

This initiative is part of the LTC’s ongoing mission to strengthen data privacy efforts in all Illinois schools, and better safeguard sensitive data for 1.85 million students across the state. 

Visit our TLE Seal Program page to learn more, including how your district can start working toward earning this formative certification. Our team can also answer your data privacy questions and help you harness this program as part of a comprehensive data privacy improvement plan.

Looking for more ways to keep student data secure? Join fellow K-12 tech leaders for SecurED Schools, an online professional learning summit focused on cybersecurity and data privacy in schools.

We look forward to working with your district to foster a safe, privacy-conscious learning environment for all of your students.