Future of Privacy Forum and ConnectSafely Release Educator's Guide to Student Data Privacy

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                     

May 23, 2016

Contact: Melanie Bates, Director of Communications, [email protected]

Contact: Hani Khan, Outreach Manager, [email protected]

Washington, DC –  Today, the Future of Privacy Forum (FPF) and ConnectSafely are releasing the Educator’s Guide to Student Data Privacy. Technology tools and applications are changing the way schools and teachers educate students across the country. New resources are making it easier for teachers and students to communicate in and outside of the classroom making learning a 24/7 activity. When schools use technology, a student’s personal information is often collected and shared for the purpose of furthering their education. The Educator’s Guide will help teachers utilize technology in the classroom responsibly and protect their students’ privacy, explaining among other things:

• Why student privacy matters, including legal requirements;
• Teachers options for vetting an app for privacy considerations; and
• Available resources, including a quick reference checklist for teachers to use as they continue to incorporate technology.

The Educator’s Guide follows the success of the Parent’s Guide to Student Data Privacy, which was jointly developed by ConnectSafely and FPF to help parents understand the laws and regulations in place to protect their child’s personally identifiable information. The Educator’s Guide will help teachers understand their role in protecting students’ information and ensuring students use classroom technology in a responsible way.

“Schools across the country are rapidly integrating new technologies meant to deliver a quality education to students in more effective and efficient manner. The Educator’s Guide will be a vital new resource for teachers when helping students use educational applications and technology in a safe way that protects their data privacy,” said Kobie Pruitt, Education Policy Manager, FPF.

“As a teacher who knows first-hand how technology tools have helped my students feel empowered to find the resources they need, collaborate with one another and with me, and create professional quality work I know we are in the midst of a transformational time for education. Teachers want to both inspire and protect their students, and this guide will help them feel confident they are doing both when using technology,” said Kerry Gallagher, Director of K-12 Education for ConnectSafely.

FPF and ConnectSafely are proud to help educators implement new technologies responsibly in order to promote successful student outcomes. To view and download the Educator’s Guide to Student Data Privacy and many other online privacy and safety resources, please visit FERPA|SHERPA andConnectSafely.