For Immediate Release: April 1, 2015
Contact: Renée Rybak Lang, renee.lang@nasbe.org, 703-740-4841
New NASBE Analysis Urges Policymakers to ‘Balance the Imperative of Protection with Innovation’ in Setting Student Data Privacy Policies
Alexandria, Va. – Last week, Reps. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) and Luke Messer (R-Ind.) announced plans for new federal legislation that would ensure third-party vendors protect student data privacy. The impending bill is the latest in a series of legislative actions aimed at safeguarding student data, according to a new NASBE Policy Update, “Regulating Student Data Privacy: Don’t Throw the Baby out with the Bathwater.” Already in 2015, state legislatures in 41 states have introduced a combined 160 student privacy bills—more than the total number introduced in all of 2014. In all, 37 state boards of education already have a key governing role in protecting student data.
In “Regulating Student Data Privacy,” NASBE Director of Education Data and Technology Amelia Vance explains why concerns over student data privacy have dominated the headlines, and what states—and state boards of education in particular—are doing to ensure the safety of student data. Vance argues that strong data privacy policies strike a balance between the need for timely, accurate information and safeguarding student privacy. She cites West Virginia and Alabama as leaders in setting strong policies around data privacy. “Both state boards of education have passed resolutions expressing their commitment to student data privacy and provide full guidance to districts,” says Vance. Other states, such as New York, Virginia, and California, have also adopted key policies, such as appointing a chief privacy officer and ensuring educator training in data protection.
But Vance also warns against writing privacy policies that leave too much to interpretation, or alternatively, are overly prescriptive. Both scenarios can result in unintended consequences. “It is essential that states do not inadvertently ban technologies that can help children succeed and compete in today’s global economy,” writes Vance. “By passing informed, comprehensive policies crafted with the input of all stakeholders, policymakers can harness the power of data for enabling student success while also protecting privacy.”
Download and read “Regulating Student Data Privacy: Don’t Throw the Baby out with the Bathwater.”
Learn more about NASBE’s education data privacy project.
The National Association of State Boards of Education represents America’s state and territorial boards of education. Our principal objectives are to strengthen state leadership in education policymaking, advocate equality of access to educational opportunity, promote excellence in the education of all students, and ensure responsible lay governance of education. Learn more at www.nasbe.org.
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