We know how valuable student data can be in accelerating academic gains, both for individuals and the student body as a whole. And we know the right policies for ensuring that this data can be used while protecting confidential student information.
But none of that matters if we don’t get buy-in from a key constituency group – parents.
This is why education stakeholders must develop well-thought-out communications strategies with parents that contain both proactive and reactive elements.
To aid in this effort, the Foundation for Excellence in Education (ExcelinEd) has produced the Student Data Privacy Communications Toolkit.
This toolkit includes an extensive survey that gauges attitudes toward student privacy by both the public and parents. Not surprisingly, what we discovered was a demand for more information.
Participants in the survey wanted to hear about the laws, rules, and steps being taken to protect information about children. And they wanted to hear specifics, such as: Who has access to student learning data? What is included in that data? How is it kept secure? What laws and policies are in place to prevent breaches?
Simply put, they want substantive information that they can trust.
As the gatekeepers of student data, school districts and schools should not only provide them with privacy policies, but also ensure they are credible voices that parents can turn to with questions or concerns.
Putting such a program together is key, and is the focus of the ExcelinEd toolkit.
Toolkit highlights include:
- Teachers may be the most trusted source of information for what goes on in classrooms. But when it comes to student privacy, parents want to hear from district and school administrators, school board members, and technology experts.
- Prior to the start of the school year, districts should post data privacy policies on their web pages as well as school web pages. They also should consider creating a dedicated Student Data Privacy web page.
- Communication and transparency are critical. Districts should explain to parents exactly who has access to what data, including service providers. They also should assure parents that they are in compliance with federal and state law, while also detailing any additional safeguards, training and plans they have put in place to protect their children’s information.
- Districts should establish crisis communications teams by identifying all staff members who would play a role in gathering and communicating information about a student data breach. They also should engage in regular planning and training, such as running through the possible breach scenarios that could occur.
The toolkit also provides message points for those who deal with parents, including administrators, teachers, school board members and other elected officials.
The use of data is revolutionizing education. It allows teachers to personalize instruction for students and allows states and communities to measure the effectiveness of schools, teachers, curriculum and any number of education policies. It is giving parents objective information on their children’s progress. It is allowing for an education system that can be tailored to each student’s individual needs and goals.
Parents do understand the value. All that’s required is keeping their trust.
About: The Foundation for Excellence in Education is transforming education for the 21st century economy by working with lawmakers, policymakers, educators and parents to advance education reform across America. Learn more at ExcelinEd.org