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:
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:
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:
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.
Duane leads and supports events, programs, and initiatives related to network infrastructure, data privacy, cybersecurity, technical support, and technology services.
Protecting student data and achieving SOPPA compliance requires extra effort. We’re partnering with TEC to offe access to legal and negotiation support + over 2,000 pre-negotiated vendor agreements.
At SecurED Schools, you can take the first step toward addressing new vulnerabilities and securing your district’s digital future. Take a peak at this year’s schedule, which includes over 40 local, state, and national experts
