Student Data Privacy

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Why it works

Student data is protected by law (in the US, FERPA and often state laws, plus COPPA for younger children), and the digital tools teachers use can collect significant data. Teachers who understand the basics, use only district-approved tools, avoid putting student personal data into unapproved services, and follow privacy practices, protect students and the school. This is increasingly important as AI tools proliferate.

The research: FERPA; COPPA; student data privacy guidance.

The run-of-show

Choose your slot. The agenda, timings, and length update to match.

The core activity: audit your tools for privacy

Teachers leave having checked their tools and stopped unsafe data practices.

List the digital tools (including AI) you use with students.
Check which are district-approved and what data they collect.
Stop putting student personal data into unapproved services.
Plan how you vet a new tool for privacy before using it.

Approved tools, protected dataStudent data is protected by law and trust. Use only approved tools, keep student data out of unapproved services, and check before adopting something new.

Facilitator notes

Use approved tools, and know FERPA/COPPA basics.
Keep student data out of unapproved services, and vet new tools.
Follow district policy.

Unapproved tools can break privacy lawPutting student data into a random app or AI tool can violate FERPA or state law and breach trust. Use approved tools and check before adopting.

Adapt it

Elementary: COPPA awareness, approved tools, parental consent.
Secondary: approved tools, data awareness, AI caution.
All settings: approved tools, protect data, follow policy.

Participant handout

One page for every teacher. Print it, or save it as a PDF.

K12 Academics · Professional Learning

Student Data Privacy: approved tools, protected data

Law and trust: use approved tools, know the basics, keep student data out of unapproved services.

The digital and AI tools I use with students:
Which are district-approved and what data they collect:
The unapproved services I will stop using:
How I vet a new tool for privacy:
My district policy contact:

Make it stick

Approved and protected:

Use approved tools.
Protect student data.
Bring a privacy question to your tech or admin lead.

Common questions

Do I really need to worry about privacy for a free app?

Yes. Free tools often collect data, and putting student information into an unapproved service can violate privacy law and trust. Use district-approved tools.

What laws apply?

In the US, FERPA protects student education records, COPPA covers children under 13, and many states have their own student privacy laws. You do not need to be a lawyer, but know the basics and your district policy.

What's the safest default?

Use only approved tools, do not enter student personal data into unapproved services (including AI tools), and check with your district before adopting something new.