Student Data Privacy
What is SOPPA?
Student Online Privacy Protection Act
Effective July 1, 2021, school districts will be required by the Student Online Personal Protection Act, or SOPPA, to provide certain guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only (105 ILCS 85) as stated in the Act’s Legislative Intent.
It is our legal and ethical obligation to protect students and their data. If student data (called Personally Identifiable Information or Covered Information) is breached, it can lead to someone without permission:
- Creating contact lists for email scams or targeted advertising
- Finding addresses and other contact info of the student and/or family members
- Changing a student’s grades
- Viewing personal information meant to be private, such as learning and physical disabilities, or even medications
Read more about why protecting student data matters (opens in new window).
Data Breaches
District 64 will post details here about data breaches involving 10% or more of the District's students, including the number of students whose covered information was involved in the breach, date of breach (or estimate) and operator name.
Important Data Privacy Laws and Helpful Explanation Videos
Guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only.
Restricts the collection of personal information from children under 13 by companies operating websites, games, mobile applications, and digital services that are directed to children or that collect personal information from individuals known to be children.
Imposes certain requirements on schools that utilize the federal E-Rate program to receive discounts for internet access and other technology services, or that receive federal grants for other technology expenses.
Governs information in a student’s education record, restricting access and use of student information
Key Role of Parents
Parents are partners in the protection of children and their data online. Below are some helpful resources that help parents navigate their children's online safety, privacy, security, and digital wellness.
Under the Illinois Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA), parents have the right to review their child’s covered information. Read these rights.
To make a request to inspect and review, copy, and/or correct your child’s covered information, please contact Mary Jane Warden, District 64's Privacy Officer, by filling out this inquiry form and specifying the nature of your request. If the covered information is a school student record, then please follow the procedures for student records requests as found in the District 64 Parent-Student Handbook.
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.