Data Privacy
Student Data Privacy
The Lowndes County Schools system expects all system employees to be diligent in their handling of student information. Confidentiality of student records is a very serious consideration and is part of the Georgia Code of Ethics for Educators:
- Standard 7: Confidential Information - An educator shall comply with state and federal laws and state school board policies relating to the confidentiality of student and personnel records, standardized test material and other information
We most often think of student data privacy in conjunction with state testing and grades, but we must show the same level of diligence with any PII, personally identifiable information, that is uploaded and stored in instructional programs, including web-based applications.
From Student-Parent Handbook
INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS
The Lowndes County Schools System carefully evaluates digital and non-digital materials that are used for ongoing instruction. This review and recommendation process includes parent notice through the system website and the opportunity for public review and comment prior to adoption. The system also confirms that any online resource approved for ongoing instruction meets federal COPPA requirements and the data privacy and security standards described in the Georgia “Student Data Privacy, Accessibility,and Transparency Act.” A list of these locally-approved instructional materials is maintained on the system website.
From Lowndes County Schools Employees Acceptable Use Agreement
Instructional Programs:
A program is any instructional software, whether installed on a mobile device, computer, or network server or accessed over the Internet. Apps and web-based programs must be reviewed and approved prior to purchase or use if the programs are used for ongoing instruction or require creation of student accounts, regardless of cost or funding source. The Technology Department can provide the current Software Adoption Procedure document and answer any questions.
This review process will evaluate the need for the program, determine if the program duplicates programs currently in use, verify compatibility with our computers and networks, establish what student information will be collected and compliance with Georgia law on data privacy [Student Data Privacy, Accessibility, and Transparency Act (2015)], assess if the program meets the accepted standards for data security, assess the impact of the program on the time available for other instructional programs in use.